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THE 



CRUISE; 



POETICAL SKETCH, 



IN 



€i08t Canton. 



BY 



A NAVAL OFFICER. 



" Fight for 5^our Country ! heed not Faction's roar ! 

" But, at the price of Life ! defend your Native Shore!!!" 



Tell us, how act, a brave, a British Crew,; 

But do not o'er the path the tinsel Fiction 1 strew.- 



PRINTED Fon J. HATCMAUD, 

SOUKSELLER TO HER MAJESTY, OPPOSITE ALBANV^ PICCADILLY. 



1808. 




Printed by Brettell and Co. 
Mar ihall' Street. 



,^;^;t\ 



TO 
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 

LORD VISCOUNT MELVILLE, 

AS A 
VERY TRIFLING BUT SINCERE 

€tiBute of 4Bratttutie, 

FOR THE 

MANY BENEFITS CONFERRED 

ON THE 

BRITISH NAVY; 

EENEFITS SO ESSENTIALLY RECOMMENDED BY THE BE- 
NEVOLENCE AND DISINTERESTEDNESS WHICH MUST 
HAVE DICTATED THEM; FOR, THE FOREMAST-MAN, HIS 
ORPHAN, AND WIDOW, ON WHOM THEY HAVE BEEN 
PRINCIPALLY BESTOWED, ARE NOT OBJECTS, WHO 
HAVE IT IN THEIR POWER TO MAKE SUCH A RETURN, AS 
WOULD ATTRACT THE NOTICE OF THE OSTBNTATIOUS 
OR GREEDY i— 

THIS 

POETICAL SKETCH 

OF A 

TWO MONTHS' NAVAL CRUISE, 

IS, , 

WITH THE GREATEST DEFERENCE, INSCRIBED, 

BY ONE, 

PERSONALLY UNKNOWN; 

WHO HAS NEVER RECEIVED A FAVOUR, 

NOR IS UNDER THE NECESSITY OF ASKING ONE; 

BUT IS, 

IN COMMON WITH HIS PROFESSION, 

HIS LORDSHIP'S 

OBLIGED AND OBEDIENT 
HUMBLE SERVANT, 

A NAVAL OFFICER. 



PREFACE. 



1 HE following Undertaking would never have 
been engaged in, nor probably thought of, had 
it not been for an unfortunate necessity the 
Author found himself under^ of recruiting an 
extremely exhausted constitution, by a regimen 
on shore. 

During this most painful period, making Poe- 
tical Sketches of Scenes which had occurred on 
Naval Service, afforded the greatest relief to his 
mind ; his ill state of health putting any pursuit 
requiring much research, absolutely out of the 
question. 

These Sketches increasing, it struck him, that 
if they were connected by a " Regular Detail of 
Duties, and probable Events ;" — by the introduc- 
tion of " Characters, to be met with in the Ser- 
vice ;" — by " Reflections, when naturally arising;" 
— and, above all, by the ^' Promulgation of Sen- 
timents which have emanated from some of our 
most shining Naval Characters ;" — a Work might 



via 

be formed^ conveying a correct idea of Naval 
Life (including the mode of carrying on Duty), 
during so memorable an Epoch as the present ; — 
becoming a vehicle through which a few sugges- 
tions of Improvements might be offered to the 
sense of the Navy ; — and furnishing Sentiments 
which, if allowed to be, among others, those of 
a Blake ! and Njelson !, must ever prove safe 
and glorious for British Seamen to cherish !!!;—• 
in short, a Work of considerable importance to 
the rising Generation of Sailors, (inasmuch as, 
having a tendency to rightly form their minds, 
and give a general Knowledge of their Profession,) 
and not altogether un\vorthy the notice even of 
the present .-^OvlXy one thing seemed wanting, 
*^ an Execution equal to the Design." 

Upon his own attempt at treating a subject, all 
may perhaps think well worthy of the ablest pen, 
— the Author declares, with the utmost sincerity, 
he feels the greatest diffidence. 

He has been induced to lay it before the Public, 
from conceiving that he could, in the first place, 
(as above detailed,) account unexceptionably for 
his leisure; — that therefore it could not be thought 
incompatible with the Character of a British 
Naval Officer, to attempt Versification on 
^^ Nautical Subjects, and after the fashion of a 
Sailor ;" — from feeling a kind of pride in proving 



IX 

that he had employed his mind in his Profession, 
in the only way left him ; — from being flattered 
by a Friend (to whom he feels much indebted for 
Revision, and some grammatical coiTections,) that 
it might meet the approbation of, the Author is 
well convinced, a candid Public; — from con- 
science assuring him his intention is good, there- 
fore not leading him to imagine he can, at all 
events, do Aarm;^— and lastly, but by far the 
strongest inducement !, from a sanguine hope it 
may have some effect towards confirming the 
determination of the present Race of Sailors, to 
continue the glorious career they have hitherto 
run ; and filling the minds of those who are to 
succeed them, with the noblest ardour to follow 
their footsteps. 

How far he has any right to indulge such 
hopes as this last inducement implies, can best 
be judged of by a perusal of the Contents : — ^to 
say more on the subject here, would be to intrude 
unnecessarily: — it may not be deemed so, how- 
ever, to offer some remarks upon the Author's idea 
of '' its not being incompatible with the Cha- 
racter of a Naval Officer to attempt Verse, 
under certain limitations ; " -— and upon the 
'' Work itself." 

As to the former, in order to bear him out in 
what he has advanced, he begs to submit, that 



he is not aware of our constant rivals, the French, 
having any Naval Poets!; a sort of natural rea- 
son that ive should!!!;— and that the following 
precedents are to be found in his Profession ; — 
namely, a Dorset, and others of older date ; — a 
Faulknor; — the amiable and manly Captain 
Edward Thomson (who died in the command 
of a Squadron on the African station) ;— some 
Officers of the Victory, while bearing Lord 
Nelson's flag;— -and a Dibdin and Walcot * 
(out of the Profession, but on Nautical topics) ; 
the social, humanizing, and inspiring effects of 
whose Poetical effusions are so generally admit- 
ted ; — effects also surely more lasting than those 
of prose ? — witness the Songs of the Bards, 
which, in the total want of other means, have 
been retained by the memory to this present day. 
— Indeed it was the idea, that " Verse would 
have the advantage of Prose," which conduced 
•much to the present Undertaking. — But he con- 
ceived, at the same time, that, to produce this 
advantage in his case, the manner must be ap- 



■* And, in regard to Authorship in general, — the Navy has pro- 
duced a considerable list of Voyage, &c. &c. Writers; including a 
Ealeigh and Cook ; a Burney ; — and honourable to the Service 
would it have been, had a Clarke of Eldon been included. — ^The 
Marine Corps have furnished, probably amongst others, a Tench, 
and Gillespie; nor should a Bickerstaffe be forgotten. 



propriate to the mattet^; — in other words, a 
^^ Nautical subject treated nauticallyr — By which 
means also, that great desideratum ! would be 
the nearer attained, viz. *^ conveying the best 
sense of Reality." 

It will be found therefore, that the Author has 
endeavoured throughout, to write as much in the 
language of a Sailor, as the subject would admit of. 
Finding also that his subject embraced very con- 
siderable variety, he has conceived it would not be 
appropriately met, unless " different styles of verse 
were made use of."— -The greatest latitude has 
therefore been taken; — the measure and manner, 
at times, are changed (though, it is hoped, not too 
abruptly) and Blank Verse approached. — The 
Author pretends not to genius, or classical know- 
ledge; but he will say that he could have given 
the whole a ^^ different and more poetical dress ,' 
had he confined himself to scenes admitting best 
of poetical description : — but would it then have 
been consistent with his wish of " conveying a 
sense of Naval Life in all its branches, according 
with reality ?" — It must however be understood, 
that although the Scenes, Traits, and Anecdotes, 
are founded on facts ; — yet that no one Ship, or 
Cruise, has precisely afforded what is here brought 
together ; — they are selected from Naval Service 
in general. 



Xli 



Further, in regard to the '' Work itself/' the 
Author has to observe, that it ends with the Death 
of Lord Nelson; — that copious Notes (intended in- 
deed to form no inconsiderable portion of the Work) 
are given to elucidate, and prevent misinterpretation 
as much as possible ; — in which, that the " unity 
of action" may be preserved, nothing is adverted 
to of a subsequent date to the matter detailed. — 
Thus, in a Note uppn the first mention of Lord 
Nelson, at the commencement of the Poem, his 
greatest Achievement, ^' the Victory off Trafalgar," 
is nat stated, — because it is supposed not to have 
taken place. — On the same account, those very 
decisive, and important proofs of British superi- 
ority evinced by Sirs Richard Strachan, Duck- 
worth, and Brisbane, are not introduced: — al- 
though, as Achievements of the greater magnitude, 
since the French Revolution, have been touched 
upon in the Introduction, it would be the height 
of injustice to pass over the above-named Exploits 
here: — as it would also be to pass over the noble 
gallantryof a Rival Service, — rival never, it is to be 
hoped, but in deeds of Honour ! and Courage ! — 
conducted by a Sir John Steuart on the plains 

of Maida. Bringing in the Army even in this 

manner, may be objected to on the score of irre- 
levancy : — but be it remembered, that they often 
serve with us afloat, and we with them on shore ; 



xiii 



— that therefore our interests are identtfied, and 
must be so, until a total degeneracy takes place 

on the part of one, or both. ^National Danger ; 

mutual Hazard to avert it; — Equal Glory; — and a 
Liberal Determination to postpone the Discussion 
of any point which can possibly arise, tending in 
the least to disturb Harmony, until a time of per^ 
feci Trangiiillifi/ and Security; — must ''^ cement 
*^ an Union, so truly important to the welfare of 
'^ our Country." 

It is also but right to say, that the ^^ Establish- 
ment of a Naval Asylum for Children," and an 
^^ Increase of Patriotic Donations for the Relief of 
Wounded Men," have taken place since writing 
passages, to which they will be found to refer ; and 
have considerably diminished their force,-- — ^The 
Author, however, has not expunged them, as he 
would fain submit what yet remains to the opinion 
of the Navy and those interested in its Welfare; 
satisfied that no mischief can possibly arise from 
his so doing, because " it is not to be imagined, 
that any suggestions of Ms will be deemed of ster- 
^^ ling weight, until their value has been stamped 
" by the sanction of those, whom an eminent 
'^ Knowledge of the Profession, entitles to be con- 
^^ sidered competent Judges." 

Buonaparte is called a ^^ Modern Hun ;"— and 
^^ hitherto^ sanguinary propensities and actions 



<i 



XIV 

have been attributed to the French nation sitice 
their Revolution/' — It may be objected, that 
such expressions onl^ tend to still more exas- 
perate the already exasperated nations, and 
consequently make Peace ijet nmre impossible, — 
But if Peace were to take place to-morrow^ the 
Pen which in the slightest degree touches on 
History, should not shrink from recording the 
Truth !!! — nor would a palliation of her conduct 
be respected by France, — she is too poiverjul ! — 
Buonaparte has, surely ? hitherto proved him- 
self worse than a Hun ! — and the French nation 
has been hitherto, in many respects, ivorse than 
detestable! :* — but because this has been, does it 
follow that it is to be P — Buonaparte w«i/ humanize 
himself, and his people ; and^ by making all the 
amends in his power (which we know is great) 
for the atrocities he has committed, and made 
them commit, become entitled to confidemee 
and respect. — He may be convinced, that the 
Peace and Security of the World, can only be 
brought about and confirmed, by ^' his permit- 
ting all Countries to enjoy the Advantages seem- 



* The Author speaks feelingly, having suffered much from a 
state of captivity in France at the beginning of the War.— Indeed, 
those who are exposed to the Yindictive fury of the enemy, may 
well be excused for expressing their sentiments on the occasion. 



XV 



ingly designated by Nature, nicely balanced in 

tile scale of Equal Power =^." He may learn 

from History, in the examples of an Alexander !, 
Charlemagne!, Genghis Khan!, &c., that ^^Con- 
quests, or rather Ravages!, however widely 
spread, never have been retained under one 
influence, beyond the life of the Ravager -}"."— 
He may find, after having tried us to the inmost 
core^ that " we are neither to be ruhied in our 
Finances !, nor conquered in our Persons ! ;" — 
but that, on the contrary, while he destroys the 
Commerce of other Nations, he only obliges us to 
open New Channels (perfectly attainable) ,- — and 
occasions, if any check?, a wholesome one^ 
upon an excess in Mercantile and Manufacturing 



* Bifiefly explained, by stating, on the principle of empires com- 
prising extensive territories and population, confining themselves to 
the cultivation of " Natural Produce, Arts, and Manufactures ;" 
leaving the exdiange of these, and supply of what they want,— in 
short, " Commerce," — ^principally in the hands of those, whom an 
insulaied situation, and small population, render most competent 
and least dangerous. 

f The Roman Empire required centuries ! to bring it to its zenith, 
it may be said, under Julius Caesar, the greatest conqueror she 
produced! I! -r But was not the title of " Mistress of the World," 
accompanied by ^ fatal decline? — When the " Independency of 
States" ceased, the " noble spirit of Emulation" vamshed; — the 
civilised world k)st its ener-gy and virtue ;~-barbarians !, and those 
forced to bite the bitt of slavery !, but never losing sight of their de-- 
gradation, became instructed m the way to conquer ^-^Ukd. ^ "n^tv-: 
order of things took place." 



XVI 

Specillations, making us more Military, and 
Unanimous*. — Or, if the above causes, and the 
proof positive given at Amiens (so near having 
been fatally acted upon) of our determination to 
meet him in Peace, far more than half-way, will 



■* Preserve but our own Island and its Naval Superiority ; and 
Resources for Revenue are incalculable."— .If the West Indies can 
possibly be wrested from us ?, the East will afford in abundance 
similar advantages:— and in such a case, it might be indispensable to 
open 21. free trade, in of der to facilitate communication, a^d keep up 
the number and quality of Seamen. — If, on the other hand, we lose 
our East-India Continental Possessions, and retain our West, with a 
Trade to the Brazils, and extend it to other parts of South America, 
(perfectly attainable by a well-adapted policy,) the loss will suffi- 
cient! y, if not awp/z/, be made up. — Stroffg NavalStations in the East- 
Indian Seas would then alone be necessary {o check any Naval Ar- 
maments of the enemy : — Not only might thes^ stations (islands, 
suppose) be made impregnable, but Garrisons be maintained in 
them, sufficiently strong to go on Expeditions ; and yet a Jiumbet 
of Troops, now employed on that vast Peninsula, be spared for 
other purposes :— A trade with Ckina might still be kept up; for, 
such a Maritime superiority on the part of the enemy as could pre- 
vent it,— or such security at home, in Europe, mind ! as well as 
amongst the warlike, immensely populotis, and distracted nations 
of Asia, as would enable a conquest of China, — if in the compass of 

possibility?, must yet absolutely be the work of time ! But the 

further exposition of these, at least, rational suppositions, would 
jead me without the limits of a note. — One serious asseveration I 
must make : — In no sense do I mean that our East-India Possessions 
should be given up without the most gigantic struggle!;— their pre- 
sent value we know ;— the effects of their loss, we have to learn. 

The above observations are only intended to drive away despon- 
dency !, if such an unmanly feeling can (save in a fit of hypo- 
chondriacism) debase the heart of a Briton!, "by sketching the 
incalculable resources of our Country." 



XVll 

hot jimend the nature of this man ; — if the 
World is found to be too small for his ambition ;— - 
^*^ the French nation itself, may choose a Numa I; 
^nd as they deserve the odium of having involved 
the human race in misery, so vrill they become 
entitled to the glory of bringing about their 
Emancipation." 

Where a people have not the ^^ Liberty of the 
Press/' consequently wo means of ^^ judging for 
themselves/' as in France !, they must feel as 
their " Government chooses to make them ;" — - 
it is then to the rulers, and not the ruled that 
we are to look for Peace : — and until such 
are found as will encourage the best, and not 
worst of the human passions, we are bound, in 
duty to ourselves and posterity, to regard them 
as ^^Jiends bent upon our extermination from the 
face of the earth^." 

Nor are these observations of mere temporary 
importance; for, the causes on which they are 



* Worthy people are, doubtless, to be found in France, as ia 
every other country: — these, when the blind is torn from their 
ryes, will meet us in an honourable and secure Peace, with an en- 
thusiasm increased by the very bitterness of their former animosity; 
((he deliverance being the greater) : — but we know there are others 
so incorrigible, that " conciliatory conduct" is absolutely thrown 
away upon them. — Let us then esteem and fly to meet the Just !— 
but nevpj', never let the Villain ! triumph ovsr us. 



xvm 

founded, must afford " a truly instructive lesson^ 
so long as the world endures !!!"* 

No one can be more aware, than the Author^ 
of the extreme delicacy with which a Naval 
Officer should discuss many of the Topics in-- 
troduced : — upon the propi^iety, or impropriety 
with which it is done, he presumes, rests the 
7^esponsihHity : — by these he must be judged ; — 
only assuring his Reader, that he is not aware of 
having written under the most distant feeling of 
prejudice, local or otherwise; — being equally 
connected, by " ties of blood," to the three chief 
divisions of the British Empire, meaning Eng- 
land, Ireland, and Scotland ; born however 
in the former, but educated under a most liberal 
Clergyman in the second -named division, and 
sent at a very early age to a Service, he believes is 
not reckoned a, prejudiced one, 2Lnd which has giveti 
him an opportunity of seeing no trifling portion 
of the rest of the Globe ; and having too (he begs 
to remind his Reader) put his thoughts on paper 
at a time when only such feelings can sway, as 



* Indeed it is hoped, that little will be found throughout the 
"Work (or rather skctcli) entirely devoid of utility hereafter, as the 
motive which gave birth, and the manner which brought forward, 
may not, perhaps, be thought quite unworthy of imitation : — for, 
until " perfection is the lot of mortality,"— Mere 7)imt he something 
to amend. 



XIX 

are to accompany a man in his exit from this 
state of existence : and hardened indeed must 
he be, who is i^ot then " liberal*." 

Quotations there are /-^-Plagiarisms there may 
he ; — upon its various demerits, taking into 
(Consideration the circumstances under which it 
has been written, a liberal criticism is hoped for, 
which ever must improve, while the reverse ! only 
confirms in error. 



* The Author would not intrude this account of himself, did he 
not conceive that it afforded the strongest and most natural proof 
of iiis inclination to write impartially p which he thinks the very first 
4uty^f an Authon 



^ An Index to the Notes is given at the End of the IVork. 



CONTENTS. 



^ The Jigures placed at the end of summaries of subjects, in the 
foUomng Analysis of Contents, refer to respective pages. 



CANTO THE FIRST. 

Introduction ; Eulogies on Earl Spencer and the most distin- 
guished Naval Officers, since war with Revolutionized France, 
Page 3. — Opening of the Poem ; Time, the latter End of 
September 1805, about half-past Eleven in the Forenoon, 7. — 
A Frigate moored, with her Sails loose ; Description thereofj, 
0. — Discipline panegyrized, 12. — Weather calm, 17. — A Sailor 
goes aloft, 17. — Henry, a young Midshipman, Nephew to the 
Captain, introduced, 18. — Sails furled, 19.— Breeze sets in, 20. — 
Piping to Dinner, 20. — Officers also take Refreshment, 23.— 
Captain comes on board, 24.— -His Character, 24. — Unmooring, 
25.— Weighing, 27.— Departure, 27.— Watch called, 27.— Quar- 
ters, 29. — Hammocks piped down, 30. — Make a Light-house at 
Eight o'clock, and set it, 31.— Done by the Master, 32.—His 
Character, 34.— Watch and Idlers reef the Sails, and make the 
Ship snug before Night, 34.— First Watch called, 35.— Captain 
sups in the Gun-room, 35.— Account thereof, 36. — Lights put 
out at Nine o'Clock, 38.— Captain and First Lieutenant give their 
Orders for the Night, 39.— Sea gets up, 40.— Conduct of the 
Officer of the Watch, 41. — Manner of passing ditto, 42.— Middle 
Watch comes, 45.— Tricks played upon a Youngster, 48.— His 
first Cruise, 49.— A Middle Watcher at Two, 50.— Conversation 
on Sweethearts, 50.— Why Marriage should not be thought of by 
a young Naval Officer, 51.— With various Reflections and Senti- 
rnents growing out of these Scenes, 52. 

CANTO THE SECOND, 

Morning Watch, 59.— Washing Decks, 60.— Preparations forChace, 
60. — Sunrise, 62. -^ Hammocks piped up and covered, 63. — 
Breakfast, 64.— Captains entertain their Officers, 64.— Thoughts 
on ditto, 65.— Necessity of Employment on board Men-of-War 



xxu 

explained, 70. — Dangerous effects of Gaming pointed out, 71.-^ 
A General Exercise of Great Guns and Small Arms, 76. — Precau- 
tions necessary in ditto, ?6. — An Experiment made, 77. — Firing at 
a Cask, 78. — Ben Brace introduced, 79 — Also Tom Sykes, 80. — 
The First Lieutenant ; hisCiiaracter, 83. — Decks cleared up, 88. — 
Magazine secured, 88. — Retreat beat, 88. — Dinner, 89. — Watch 
called, 90. — Description of its various Duties, 91. — Clear the 
Decks after Work, 96. — Description of the Evening Sports ; viz: 
Dancing, 97; Building the Galley, 98; Sailors dressed up, 190; 
Bathing, 101 ; and Single-sticks, 101. — Anecdote of Ben Brace; 
^s Character, 102. — Pat Mahony, a young Irish Landman, intro- 
'duced ; his Character, 104.— r-The Kducatian of the Captain, 115. 
— A Disquisition on Learning in the Navy, 117. — Service injiij^eii 
by the Neglect of it, 117. — With various Reflections, 120» 

CANTO THE THIRD. 

Officers practise Single-sticks, 127. — Edward, a young Midshipman, 
introduced, who rivals Henry, 130. — ^I'om Sykes, his Character, 
130, — Beats Dick, an English Landman, 131. — The manner in 
which the Watch below pass their time, 133.— Naval Uniform 
treated on, 133. — Cards and Chequers, making and mending 
Clothes, Straw Hats, Canvass Shoes, Models of Ships, Clock- 
cases, Music, and reading Stories, enumerated, 137. — Ship-visiting, 
and going on Shore, adverted to, 143. — ^l^he Captain's manner 
of passing his time, 144. — His Library, 145. — Little Concerts, 
153.— Slabin, a Dutch musician, introduced, 153; his Character, 
with that of the Marine Officer, Sandy Mayne, 154. — The Sur- 
geon, Shenkin Lloyd, 154; and the Chaplain, 174. — The Captain 
and Chaplain not such good friends in harbour: Reason, 179. — 
Anecdote of the Captain, 181. — With various et-ccvtems, which 
grow out of these Things, 184. 

CANTO THE FOURTH. 

Second and Third Lieutenants introduced, 187; their Characters, 
188. — Also that of a young Man who had nearly served his time, 
193.-— More of the First Lieutenant, 195.— Various Employments 
and Amusements of the Officers, 196.— Visiting on board Ship, 
and Mode of Dressing, described, 199.~Boatswam and his Wife 
^introduced, 202.— Appeal to the Fair Sex, 206.— Observation 
Luncheon, and Recapitulation of the Cruise, 217. — A strange Sail 



at Night, 218.— ^Proceedings in conseqiieiice, 219. — A Water- 
Spout, 227. — Prognostics of a Gale, 228. — An old Seaman's Su- 
perstition, 230. — Preparations to meet the Storm, 231. — Young 
Henry falls overboard from the Mizen-top-sail Yard-arm, 234. — 
Sandy Mayne and Ben Brace jump after him, 235. — Result, 
236. — First Lieutenant takes in Sail, &c. according to the Cap- 
tain's Directions ; who, however, does not speak to the Crew% 
237. — His Reasons, 237. — Reflections, and Anecdote upon ditto, 
238. 

CANTO THE FIFTH. 

Further Precautions against the Gale, w hich now bursts on the Ship 
in a Squall of Wind, Thunder, Lightning, and Rain, 250. — ■ 
Mountainous Wave, 254. — Lurch in consequence, 255. — ^Top- 
gallant-yard got on Deck and Masts struck, under very trying 
circumstances, 260. — Captain no longer refrains from giving the 
Word of Command, 262. — A Man falls from the Main-top, and 
breaks his Collar-bone, 262. — Cockpit Scene in consequence, 
263. — Sea-sickness, 264. — Incidents in the Gale, 265. — A plan of 
tlie First Lieutenant, 267.— It becomes steady, but blows hard, 
270. — Bonetta and Albicore come about the Ship, 274. — Prepa- 
rations to catch them, 274. — Ben Brace an excellent Harpooner, 
274. — How it came about, 275.— His Life, Marriage, &c. &c. 
mentioned ; with various Reflections growing out of the subject, 
276. 

CANTO THE SIXTH. 

Bonetta caught, 295. — Manner of dressing ditto, and making 
Lobscouse, 296, — Further description of tlie Implements and 
jSIode of catching Fish, 298. — Other Employments, 300. — Try 
for an Observation, 301. — Gale breaks, 301. — A Frigate at day- 
light on the Lee-bow, 303.-— Chace, 304. — Ma-ke Signals, 308. — 
Proves an Enemy, 308. — Steers for Vigo, 309. — Exertions in the 
night to come up with her, 309. — Lose Fore-top-mast, 310. — Se- 
quel, 311. — Arrive on the Spanish coast, 312. — ^Told by a Dane 
of a Spanish armed Merchantman, and Privateer, in a harbour to 
the northward, 313.— Proceed to cut them out, 3l4.— Preparatioa 
for, account of, and result of ditto, 318. — A man transgresses, 333- 
— Captain's Conduct, and Crew's, 33^^. — Reflections on Punish- 
ment, 335. 



XXIV 
CANTO THE SEVENTH. 

Sland in for a Spanish Port, to send the Prisoners on Shore, oii.-- 
Close in with the Land at day-light, 342.— Appearance of ditto, 
342.— Punishment, 345.— Captain's Speech to the Crew, 347.— 
Get rid of the Prisoners on Parole, 357.— Spanish Governor sends 
lleceipt. Thanks, and a Present of Fruit, &c. 357.— Steer for 
Vigo, 358.-.Find the French Frigate still under the Batteries, 
358,— Dare her to come out ; all in vain, 359.— Come to at the 
Harbour's Mouth, 360.— Supply ourselves with fresh Water, haul 
the Seine, and set up the Rigging, &c. 361.— Stand out to Sea, 
362.— Disguise the Ship, 363.— Cruise; get tired, 364.— A Man 
falls overboard, 360.- Ben Brace's Conduct, 367.— Captain per- 
severes in keeping the Sea, and just at the expiration of six 
Weeks, at break of day, we find our old Rival close to us, 368.-— 
She is deceived; comes within range of Shot, and we bring her to 
Close Action, 369.— Board, 376.— Sequel, 378. 

CANTO THE EIGHTH. 

Anecdote of French Brutality, 389.— Shape Course homeward, 39L 
— A gallant Seaman dies of the Wounds he received in Action, 
395. — An account of the Skin being punctured by Sailors, 395. — 
General Sorrow, 398. — His Burial, 399. — A Song, written by an 
Officer, on his Death, 401.— Get Soundings, 404.— Make the 
L^and, 405. — Great Joy, 405. — Incidental Observations, 406.— 
Preparations for coming to an Anchor, 407. — Delight on gaining 
sight of a Chimney, 408. — Discipline farther panegyrized, 409 — 
Anchor, 411. — Captain goes to the Admiral, 4l2. — Imagination 
apostrophized, 4i5. — Postman comes, 4l6. — Various Letters 
received, 417. — ^Their Etfects attempted to be described, 417.—- 
Cannpn unshotted on entering Port, 425. — Captain returns with 
a Pilot, 426. — Wdgh, and go into tlarbour, 426. — Greeted by- 
Cheers and Music from the Shore, 427.— Strip, and go into Dock, 
429. — News arrives of the great Victory off Trafalgar, and Death 
of Lord Nelson, 430. — The Effect, 430. — Sandy Mayiie brings 
off a Friend to Dinner, 435 ; who sings a Song upon it, 436. — 
1 lie Effect, 439.— Conclusion, 440. 



CANTO I. 



SUtgument* 



Introduction to, and Opening of the Poem — Time, the latter End of 
September 1805, about half-past Eleven in the Forenoon — A 
Frigate moored with her Sails loose — Description thereof — Weather 
calm — A Sailor goes aloft — Henry, a young Midshipman, Nephew 
to the Captain, introduced — Sails furled — Breeze sets in — Piping 
to Dinner — Officers also take Refreshment — Captain comes on 
board — his Character — Unmooring — Weighing — Departure-— 
Watch called — Quarters — Hammocks piped down — Make a 
Light-house at Eight o'Clock, and set it — Done by the Master — 
his Character — Watch and Idlers reef the Sails, and make the 
Ship snug before Night — First Watch called — Captain sups in the 
Gun-room— Account thereof — Lights put out at Nine o'Clock — 
Captain and First Lieutenant give their Orders for the Night — 
Sea gets up — Conduct of the Officer of the Watch — ^Manner 
of passing ditto — Middle Watch comes — ^Tricks played upon a 
Youngster — his first Cruise — A middle Watch at Two— Conver- 
sation on Sweethearts — Why Marriage should not be thought of 
by a young Naval Officer — with various Reflections, and Sen- 
timents arising out of the above Scenes. 



THE CMUISl] 

31 ©oem* 



IN EIGHT CANTOS. 



CANTO I. 

XXomer! could I breathe thy firCj 
Like thee, the dullest soul inspire ; 
No longer would my ardent muse 
The animating task refuse 
Of singing each great Seaman's praise^ 
In thy heroic, lasting lays. 
His too, whose wise presiding lore 
Made Britain's Navy flourish more 
Than e'er known to a former age ; 
E'er noted in historic page-— 
Sage lib'ral Spencer !, fain Fd here 
A tablet to thy conduct rear, 
B 2 



4 

Engrav'd with words of praise so deep. 
That, spite of time, 'twould perfect keep* 
Had I but pow'r ! soon would my pen 
Immortalize those Patriot Men, 
Who nobly for their Country fought. 
And vict'ry to her ensigns brought. 
Then, would I sing of mighty war, 
And the achievements of each Tar ; 

Nor should my emphatic story 

Yield e'en to thine in warlike glory. 

Thy Heroes and thy Cause, I dare 

Affirm, cannot with mine compare ! 

The theme's too lofty for my feeble verse. 

Ne'er can I, Howe !, thy valiant deeds rehearse ; 

Ne'er can I so, my simple lyre attune. 

To sing the glories of the First of June. 

First on the list of Warriors, first you broke 

The Jacobinic line, and dealt a deadly stroke ! t 



* Earl Spencer presided at the Board of Admiralty during the most 
critical periods of the late war, viz. the first, and middle ; under his 
administration, the Navy began to evince that energy and conduct 
which have so pre-eminently distinguished it from former aeras, 
glorious as they were ! — The inference is plain — " much credit must 
be given the first Lord at the outset." — The above eulogium therefore 
is not misapplied, nor is it at the expence of his successors. 

t Earl Howe was the first who defeated the republicans, June 1, 
1794; — the force on either side at the commencement of the action 
being about equal. 



St. Vincent too ! where is the magic spell 

To urge my pen that it thy deeds may tell ? 

France, not more num'rous bow'd the first to Howe ; 

Spain's host superior, you, the first, laid low ! * 

Duncan ! the first, from abject Holland's son 

A most decisive retribution won ! + 

Next Bridport comes ! highly distinguish'd Tar ! 

To share the honours of this glorious war. J 

Th' illustrious Seaman Hood ! displays a name 

Ever allied to meritorious fame ! § 

Brave Hotham ! too, justly deserves applause, 

For he upheld his best, his Country's cause. || 

But now we come to Britain's chiefest boast. 

One who is in himself alone, a host — 

Thrice gallant Nelson ! ! ! great, and also good !" 

O ! that my willing, but weak talents could 



* Earl St. Vincent was the first who vanquished the Spaniards 
Feb. 14, 1797, with so great a disparity of force, as, on bis side, 
15 sail of the line, to theirs of 27. 

f Viscount Duncan was the first who encountered the Dutch (in 
general action) Oct. 11, 1797, took their chief admiral and another, 
with two-thirds of their fleet ;--both sides at the commencement 
about equal. 

+ Viscount Bridport, distinguished himself by capturing three sail 
of the line, from a French force rather inferior, June 24, 1795. 

§ Viscount Hood, performed much good service in the Mediter- 
ranean at the commencement of the late war. 

II Lord Hotham, took two sail of the Ihie from the French (about 
equal in force) March 14, 1795. 



Do ample justice to thy grand career, 

And make thy deeds, as ihey deserve, appear. 

Alas I, alas !, ne'er can my pen attain 

Pow'r to relate, or justly to explain. 

Let me then, on the theme transcendent pause. 

Fearful I may a cold injustice cause.* 

Vet'ran Cornwallis !,t Keith !,J and Saumarez !,§ 

Merit their Country's most exalted praise — 

And Mitchel's steady valour too ! must claim, 

A sprig of laurel from the tree of fame |1 . 

■* It is impossible to do justice to the feats of this Hero ; suffice it 
just to record the victory over a superior French force at the Nile, 
August 1, 1798, and that, over the powerful Danish line of defence 
off Copenhagen, April 2, 1801, 

f Admiral, the hon. Cornwallis, famous for a most lion-like re- 
treat from an immensely superior French force, at the earlier period 
of the war ; also for a particularly indefatigable blockade of Brest. 

X Lord Keith, captured an entire Dutch squadron at the Cape of 
Good Hope, August 17, 1796. 

§ Sir James Saumarez, after having lost a ship, and been severely 
handled in an attack of ships and batteries at Algeziras, owing to 
baffling winds and shoals — proved the wonderful dispatch and un- 
conquerable perseverance of British seamen, by, in an incredible 
short space of time, refitting, and attacking (July 12, 1801), with only 
five sail of the line (two-deckers), a French and Spanish force com- 
bined, of ten line-of-battle ships (two first-rates), when the unheard-of 
circumstance occurred of Captain Keats, in a seventy-four, causing 
the destruction of the two first-rates ! and capturiiig a French two- 
decker (half the crew Spanish) without other assistance than that of a 
small frigate— alone up with him. 

II Two Dutch squadrons, obhged to surrender in their own ports 
of the Heldcr and Texel, prove the intrepidity and skill of Sir 
Andrew Mitchel. 



7 

In vain I'd tell of Smith ! that name so dear ! 
The first who check'd dread Bonaparte's career. 
Dreaded by all, but Britain's fearless son 
Who at proud Acre beat this modern Hun ! 
Nay ! not a country is there but must own 
That in this feat, our Hero stands alone ! ! !* 
'Twere better, Warren !, I thy deeds forget, 
Than with my pen to pay, what fame 's in debt — 
Oft' hast thou urg'd on Gallia's frighted shore 
The dread surprise, or thund'ring cannon's roar !t 
How many Heroes more ! can Britain boast, 
Who fight her battles, and protect her coast ? — 
To tell their wond'rous deeds I've no intent, 
An humbler subject to relate is meant — 
Not humble neither, 'tis on smaller scale — 
A cruizing Frigate's course I would detail ; 
And trace the Captain, Officer, and Tar, 
Thro' the eventful scenes attending war. 

* Sir Sydney Smith has, in addition to many, claims upon our 
admiration, a peculiar one — that, of utterly discomfiting with a hand- 
ful of British seamen and marines, and an inconsiderable aid of 
Turks, a powerful veteran French army commanded by Bonaparte 
in person! the man who has conquered sovereigns! — It is really 
dazzling ! ! I against Britons alone has Bonaparte failed, and without 
a total degeneracy on their parts, against them he will fail ! 

f Sir J. B. Warren, has been the scourge of the French coasts 
in the channel — as the great number of men-of-war and merchant- 
men, cut out at night, or boarded in the face of day, and brought 
out, or destroyed, prove — only two, out of a French squadron of nine 
sail, escaped through his action off Lough-Swilly — October 12, 1798. 



8 

Whether 'midst horrors ! pleasantry ! or woe !, 

The rough, yet faithful picture, still shall show ; 

Marking the action, the expressive mien. 

Throughout each varied and impressive scene — 

Now while the shock of battle rages dire, 

A flashing eye proclaims a native fire !, 

Scarce can each breast contain the working ire ! 

Then comes a mournful calm — the fight is o'er, 

Our swelling hearts now throb, for those, no more ! 

Sailors, indeed, but little sorrow feel, 

Yet will a sigh, a tear, full often steal : 

Cold is the heart ! can think it e'er disgrace. 

When mild compassion clouds the manly face. 

This bitter scene once past, the joke and pun 

Take their glad round, with cheerful song and inn ; 

We think of home, think on what friends will say, 

When we triumphant tell them of the glorious day \ \ I 

Think, how each gentle fair with fond caress, 

Will greet her Tar clad in a victor's dress — 

The thought inspires ! cheer up, my humble muse. 

And tho' thou wilt the arduous task refuse 

Of painting scenes where potent fleets contend. 

While anxious nations on the fate attend ; 

Or of those chiefs, whose very names appal ! 

(The foe, first urging flight, till doom'd to fall) — 

Yet may'st thou try, vainly altho' it seem, 

A less exalted, but a glorious theme I 



9 

Try then to sing, in pleasing song, and brief, 
Of but one noble Ship, one gallant Chief; 
Tell us how act a brave, a British Crew, 
But do not o'er the path, the tinsel fiction strew. 

Behold then! floating on the azure deep, 
While each rude blast is lock'd in calmest sleep. 
Yon Royal Frigate — mighty work of art ! — 
By mortals form'd to bear a trying part ; 
The dreadful battle's utmost brunt to brave; 
To still o'ertop the overwhelming wave ; 
To cherish in her ample breast the Tar, 
And waft him safely out to regions far. 
Thro' ling'ring calms, and most tempestuous seas ; 
Thro' Afric's sultry heat, and Iceland's breeze : 
That busy Commerce, with her golden store. 
May safely reach Britannia's welcome shore — 
Constructed both for warfare and delight ; 
Our good allies to serve, our foes to fight. 

Survey her form ! — 'tis b^uty's finest mold ! — 
And now the undulating sail behold, 
Majestic, swelling, as the gale it feels. 
Which o'er the glassy surface trembling steals.* 

Th' intricate windings of the ropes amaze, 
Admiring, — lost in wonder, — strangers gaze! — 

* Although the weather, generally speaking, may be calm, yet 
flurries of wind denominated by seamen *' cats-paws," frequently 
steal over the water, and expand the sails. 



10 

The lengthHhy pen'ant* floats upon the breeze ; 
The Union Cross waves grandly o'er the seas ;t 
The burnish'd yellow side reflects the sun. 
Contrasted by the awful ! sable gun ! X 
Terrific engine ! death's tremendous prop ! — 
Ah ! wilt thou never in " soft pity" stop 
Thy murd'rous course— O blind, unhappy man, 
Who can thy various passions aptly scan — 
Ambition, pride, a lawless thirst of gain, 
In bloody characters thy annals stain ! — 
For these, you bid the aged Parent mourn : 
The Widow's heart, with racking anguish torn. 
Soon bursts its bonds ; and hapless Orphans, now, 
Her babes are left, plung'd in the depth of woe ! — 
Yet this must be! — nor can the mis'ry cease. 
Till free-born Britons " conquer lasting peace ! " 
Ambitious Gallia gave the first ofience, — 
Britannia wars, but in her own defence. 
For Virtue's sake, for ev'ry social tie — 
Who would not to her glorious standard fly ? 



* A very long, narrow kind of streamer, which is hoisted at the 
mast-head, and distinguishes Men-of-War : — it is spelt ** Pendant," 
but pronounced without the d. 

■f In the ship Ensign, there are now three crosses blended, to com- 
memorate the Union of the three Kingdoms. 

J Men-of-War usually have that part of the side where the port- 
hoksare cut, painteda shining yellow without, — and the guns black. 



i 



11 

The patriot mind, tho' bleeding, ne'er can pause, 

When it reflects upon the awful cause — 

Awful indeed ! — for ev'ry thing 's at stake! — 

Let then the Sons of Britain's soil awake, 

And crush the foe, who would their heart's blood take !! 

Now mount the side— -behold the whiten'd plank* 
For this, the finish 'd officer we thank — 
Sign of good order — discipline severe — 
Or rather firm, the good man need not fear — 
Take for a truth, that when a ship is seen. 
With all her gallant seamen neat and clean 
No toil so dire, or danger, but they'll brave ! 
The foe to punish, and their country save ! — 
Unrivall'd will our Navy act its part, 
While native courage is iniprov'd by art — 
" The fost'ring art of Discipline" — in vain ^ 

Would myriads of enemies attain ^ 

Their end — our ruin ! — while we this maintain — ^ 

" Let us but add to it kind union's bond ; 
" Let us, like patriots, of our homes be fond; 
" Let us but to our King and Laws be true; 
^' Then, shall no human force our happy Isles subdue ! t 

* The planks of the deck, on board a British Man-of-War, are 
kept beautifully white. 

f If not only Sailors, but every Briton, would attend to this, — 
then would it indeed be impossible, — no dividing, to conquer ! — no 
treachery — no cajoling one part, while a superior force crushes the 



12 

Many a nation would be brave as wc^ 
Had they like us a Constitution free ; 
Had they like us but hearts of sterling mold. 
In times like these, unsway'd by traitor's gold ; 
Britons alone, refuse the treach'rous bribe 
To sell their Country, like, O shame ! the tribe — 
The venal tribe, of other lands the stain, 
Of ancient laws and usages the bane — 
'Tis infamous Corruption paves the way 
For Jacobinic rage, and Despotism's sway ! — 
Sailors ! for ever keep these rules in mind, 
" Let Mercy e'er, with courage be combin'd ; 
'* Let Discipline conduct that courage right " — 
' Twere vain without, to urge the anxious fight. 
And above all ! let Blake's great maxim guide 
Your counsels ever, ever be your pride — 
Noble it is, O, to what high degree! 
The goodliest blossom of bright honour's tree — 
" Fight for your Country ! heed not faction's roar ! 
" But, at the price of life ! defend your native shore ! ! ! * 



other — no! — the foe would then be striptofhis terrors, and must 
meet us as men, with forces we can equal. — Look to History, and 
our present achievements both by. Sea and Land, and anticipate the 
result. 

* The great Admiral Blake, that Nelson ! of former times, is re- 
corded by Historians to have said (after he became a British Tar ) 
" that it was the bounden duty of Seamen to light for their Country, 
upholding its honour, and insuring its safety, from without, amidst all 



13 

You are the piers, which from the seas emerge. 
Safety's within, while you will brave the surge ! 
You are the mounds too, which protect the coast ; 
If ocean once break in, the land is lost ! — 



the internal convulsions of the state. " — This however, the Author 
has heard interpreted by some as implying, " that Sailors should be 
totally indifferent to every thing but their profession ;" becoming in 
fact Uttle better than a part of the Ship ! This, as far as servings when 
it is possible to render service, and when on service, being absolutely 
regardless of aught else, is certainly the most noble, rational conduct 
that can be pursued — but being wedded to the profession, banishing 
the most distant attempt at interfering in politics zvhen on service, and 
never pursuing what is irrelevant, surely cannot imply (as some peo- 
ple conceive Blake meant) that we are to know how to fight and 
work a ship, but not have an idea beyond! — ignorant of the beauties 
of the Constitution we protect, and of the relations we bear to other 
countries ! — Surely, the more enlightened a Seaman is, the more en- 
thusiastic will he uphold a Constitution, he finds by comparison infi- 
nitely superior to any other: — for until some form can be pointed out 
(applicable to such a great commercial country as Great Britain), af- 
fording more freedom, more resistance to the assaults of time, and 
whose evils can easier be cured by Patriotism and Patience, than our 
own, it is but common sense to esteem it above any other known, or 
probably possible — the better enabled will be be to do it, by shaking 
off the mereTar, and acquiring knowledge fitting for any emergency, 
— and above all, the clearer will he discern the extreme necessity of 
" keeping his professional account clear. " A Naval Officer may 
shine pre-eminently in his profession, but lamentably may he sink| 
himself, and ruinous may be the consequences if he departs from it. 
In strict justice, the ofiicer who has done service of magnitude for 
his country is entitled to any constitutional honour he may aspire to, 
for surely no remuneration, permitted by the laws, is more than com- 
mensurate to the benefits some have rendered !— but in regard to 
gratifying his own truly laudable ambition, of living the object of 
universal admiration ! there are honours he must dispense with, as 
invariably marring the glory he aims at, " by drawing him into an 
interference in politics and party spirit," consequently raising a bitter 



J 



14 

Or, metaphor to quit, — you are the band 
Destin'd to keep invasion from the land- 
Let all enjoy what they by birth-right may -— 
Their own opinion — let ministerial sway 
Rest with whom e'er it will — keep you the foe away 
Surely there is much patriot wisdom found. 
To grow spontaneously on Britain's ground ; 
Let then no envious foreigner decide 
Our own disputes ; be it our constant pride 
To watch around each sacred, happy Isle, 
Nor let the foe their envied soil defile ! ! ! 



animosity against him in those, who would otherwise have heartily 
joined in the general commendation due to that man who, nobly satis- 
fied with repelling the foreign foe, and arriving at pre-eminence in his 
profession, discards with firmness the prejudices and involvements of 
Party, and thus maintains the character of a Naval Officer, pure ! and 
exalted ! — Nor can a supposition be reasonably entertained, that the 
rights of the Navy are unattended to, because officers prefer serving 
their country by arms, rather than by attaching themselves, for in- 
stance, to aparty in parliament : — a Lord of the Admiralty is generally 
in the House (it might be better perhaps that it should ever be so) to 
answer any questions, &c. &c. — And as to a general or even partial 
grievance, is it to be imagined that men in power could be so lost to 
their own interest, have so little of the feelings of Englishmen in 
them, as to pass unheeded " a regular and temperate representation 
from the Navy," would the Sovereign, would the sense of the nation, 
permit it ? that sense, which in spite of the distracting feuds of party, 
has been the salvation of the country, and, under Providence, yet will ! 
— By military men becoming party-men, the nation has and ever 
must suffer, from the non-employment at times of transcendent abili- 
ties. Had Lord Nelson been embroiled this way, an adverse Adminis- 
tration might have arisen, and the Country have lost his heroic, and 
never-to-be-forgotten services ! — 



15 

In praise of Discipline what may be said I 
How many have, its absence dearly paid ! — 
What did the Mam'louk bravery avail 
'Gainst France's war-train'd bands ? — the well known tale, 
Alas ! is fearful — ^valour bites the dust. 
Yielding to Discipline, as e'er it must. — 
Or when yourselves have fought 'gainst hosts of foes, 
Did they not ever fall beneath your blows ? 
The reason this — bright in your bosoms glow'd, 
That patriot courage, freedom's tenets sow'd — 
That freedom, which your righteous laws ensur'd, 
And which your steady valour well secur'd ; 
But then a valour, nought, without the aid 
Of that, which is to war's tremendous trade. 
The soul ! — firm, equal. Discipline .'-—for when 
This guardian sways us, 'tis, we fight like men — < 
No panic, or ferocious, vain attempt, 
But both from fear, and anarchy exempt ; 
Bent on our purpose, with collected might, 
We watch the op'ning, and as lightning smite. 
Inspiring confidence ! pervades a crew. 
Of Vict'ry (need I say ?) the presage true. — 
How diflTrent this^ to that our foe delights, 
Which as an instinct, guides him when he fights—* 
Such a dread instinct, as the tiger fires. 
Who fiercely wars, heedless tlio' he expires 1 - — 



16 

But drives out mercy, steels the yearning heart. 
Teaching alone, to act a brutal part ! — 
Bids th' infuriate bands indulge in plunder. 
When opposing cannons cease to thunder : 
Urges to lust, and ev'ry wild excess. 
Careless of most ineffable distress ! ! ! * 

O Mercy ! thou thrice-hallow'd, cherish'd name, 
Long may it be our gallant Navy's fame, 
To love thee, even in the battle's rage, 
Nor soil its hitherto unsullied page. 
With cruelty s — then shall the virtuous brave, 
In glorious mem'ry, long outlive the grave! ! ! 

Coil'd on the deck, behold the pliant cord ; f 
This io the gazing stranger must afford 

* Witness the sackings, &c. &c. in Italy, Germany, Egypt, St. 
Domingo, &c. &c. Introducing such a subject here, may by some, 
be thought irrelevant; — the author means it to elucidate: — there 
are who might imagine, that the very extraordinary successes of the 
French (one end of Discipline) is a sufficient reason for imitating 
them ; — hence this picture of rules which they have hitherto adopted, 
that we may revolt at their horrible effects, and enjoy the reflection, 
of having (comparing circumstances) more completely conquered 
in battle, and by means which dignify ! not debase ! human nature: 
— " Infirmity of Purpose" during war is a deplorable and most dan- 
gerous weakness : — but he who breaks through every Law, human and 
divine, to obtain his end, is a base criminal, whose success is as the 
plague ; a chastisement from Providence ! brought upon us by a de- 
reliction of wise and moral principles ; a return to which, can alone 
reduce the virulence of the pest. 

f On board our Men-of-War nothing appears but what is essential, 
and this is put in the neatest possible form ; thus, the ropes are so 
managed as to have to strangers a very novel and pleasmg effect 



17 

A pleasing novelty, and much surprise 
Th' intently searching, ever-restless eyes : 
Revolving, these at length are steadfast cast. 
On the stupendous, firm-set, tow'ring mast ; 
It seems as tho' a whirlwind's mighty force. 
During the Tornado's destructive course. 
Should with e'en all its dreadful pow'r assail ; 
Yet would its utmost fury nought avail s— 
Fatal delusion ! — thund'ring it falls, 
And the dire ruin each stout heart appals. 

Of this hereafter — now enjoy the calm — 
Survey the fabric — taste the Zephyr's balm. — 

Observe yon active Tar, with ease ascending 
To the top's verge, near o'er the sea impending, 
And dauntless now, with practis'd balance hie 
Out to the yard-arm, hung as 'twere, mid-sky : 
The stranger shudders at the nervous feat, 
And fearfully regards him on his dizzy seat — 
A voice the daring sailor now commands 
^^ To tie some cord, and nimbly move his hands." 
Turning, we view a ruddy, manly boy. 
With wonder, thus the hardy Tar employ, 
Enforce obedience when he gives the word, 
The instant! that, the brief command is heard. — 

Yet 'tis a boy — scarce thirteen years are past 
Since breath he drew, but one, from parents cast. 

c 



18 

With flowing trowsers, and round jacket blue, 

With a complexion of health's strongest hue, 

Stands the }■ oung Hero ! soon to be the boast 

Of all the gallant bands in Britain's Naval host! 

— 'Tis youthful Henry, Nephew to the Chief, 

Who, in a maaly form, issues an order brief. — * 

No painted fop should spring from Neptune's schoolj 

All there, are taught a stern, yet golden rule. 

First to obey ! — When this is got by heart. 

Then are you given a jCommander's part : 

Still goes the lesson on, and says, your aim 

Must ever be t' uphold your Country's fame : — 

" Fight for your Country, heed not faction's roar, 

^^ But at the price of life defend your Native Shore." -^ 

Now hark ! — the Admiral turns up all hands, + 
The same, our first Lieutenant quick commands ; 
Each person flies to his allotted place. 
Keen emulation sparkling thro' the face. 

* When not going out of the Ship on duty, or full uniform re- 
quired on-board, the young Midshipmen are allowed to wear a 
plain, round, blue jacket, with yellow anchor-buttons, and open 
trowsers of the same cloth. At a very early age they are made to 
attend to the Ship's duty, and are given the command of boats, 
order to make them manly and intelligent ; which certainly often 
becomes the case : and they are paid great attention to by the Ship's 
ttompany ; — many, however, conceive they are sent to sea too young, 
for reasons which will be detailed further on. 

t Whatever is done by the Admiral's Ship, is expressed concisely 
by <^the Admiral does so and so. " 



19 

Those for aloft, thick clustering*, gain the shroud 5 
Scarce can severe command restrain the crowd 
From rushing up, and furling ev'ry sail* 
Before the rival ship ; — then how they'd rail. 
Call them all lubbers, t lavish ev'ry name 
That can in active feat degrade their fame.-^ 
'Tis ever thus a British Seaman burns 
To beat his rival ; — if he fails, he mourns : 
But truly brave, still will he persevere, 
And from his rival's brows the laurel tear ! 

At length the long'd-for words " way up'* give vent 
To ardent spirit, thus so hardly pent ; 
Aloft they fly, and at the words " lay out, " 
Swarm oh the pendent yards, and reef, and shout, 
When at the last they toss the cumb'rous sail, 
And close confine it from the searching gale. J 

* In furling sails, the men first muster in the lower part of the 
shrouds, (one term for the means of ascent to the tops, &c. &c.) and 
must not go aloft until ordered, whic|i is never the case before the 
Admiral or Senior Officer sends his men — except there is necessity. 

f " Lubber," is a very common sea-term, implying awkwardness. 

X The men are never allowed to make the least noise until they 
come to wliat is called ** tossing the bunt ;'' when, as it requires all 
their strength, and exerted at the same moment, they are allowed 
to give one hearty cheer. — To "reef" a sail, is to reduce it by 
means of a kind of plat from the yarns of ropes called points, long 
enough to embrace the yard : these points, stretch the breadth of 
a sail, in lines at certain distances from each other : — tying up one 
of these spaces, is called " taking a reef," and so on ;— to take iii aJI 
the reefs, is called " clpse reefing. " 

c ^ 



20 

(For we by Zephyrs are no longer fann'd, 

A fresh increasing breeze blows off the land ;) 

The yards areduely squar'd, the ropes haul'd taut, 

And flemish'd neatly down as quick as thought ;* 

The decks throughout are swept, the Admiral ringS| 

The watchful oflScer that moment sings — • 

*^ Quarter-Master, ring the bell;" 

The first Lieutenant hies to tell. 

And, when from him he gets the order, 

Puts all things into sad disorder ; — 

That is, to strangers, who must deem 

This odd at first, as it does seem : — 

For see ! what thronging tumult now appears. 

And why do pipes pierce shrilly through the ears ? f 

Suspense is painful — the dire cause to tell, -v 

'Tis soup and beef, — most;fascinating smell ! — > 

To hungry men, a more than magic spell — ^ 

* " Taut," means tight. — '' Flemishing, " is one method of coil- 
ing the ropes, so as to give them the neat appearance, already taken 
notice of as being peculiar to our Men-of-War. — '' Squaring yards," 
is having them all exactly parallel to one another and the ship's 
beams; the masts must also be precisely perpendicular; a practice 
constantly observed. 

t All movements on board a Man-of-War, are regulated by the 
Boatswain's "Pipe" or "Call," — an mstrument of silver, very 
shrill, and admitting several variations in measure. — The above 
officer has up to a dozen assistants (called Mates) according to the 
size of a Ship.— A wag at Portsmouth, termed them "Spithead 
Nightingales." 



21 

No sooner is the hour Meridian rung. 

Than the huge top is from the coppers* flungj 

And when the pipe permits, the sharp-set Tar, 

My word ! he makes a most destructive war!— 

Heart-cheering sight ! thus on the Sea to find 

Plenty, and Comfort, ev'ry where combin'd. 

Look at each ciean-scrap'd, neatly fitted Birth, 

The Messes at their dinner, full of mirth. 

Round the capacious bowl of hot boil'd meat, 

(Or oft 'times plates) the strong sea-chest a seat ; 

The drink grog, wine, or wholesome well-brew'd beer,— 

Say ! is not this a good, an ample cheer ? t 

* The immense boiler, in which meals are cooked for a crew, is 
denominated " Coppers ;" it is so large, even in a Frigate, as to 
make it necessary for a man to get in, in order to clean it. 

f The allowance of provisions in the Navy, is very ample ; and 
consists of fresh beef, and soup, with greens in it (when possible 
to be obtained), salt beef, and pork, plum and suet puddings, 
pea-soup, oat-meal-porridge, butter, cheese, biscuit, grog, wme, 
and beer, sometimes rice, cocoa, and soft bread, according to 
the climate, all served out in rotation. — Abroad, fruits and vege- 
tables are procured, when to be had ; and the Surgeon has for the 
sick, besides abundant medicines (bark and old port at times in- 
cluded), tea, sugar, sagoe, sour-crout, &c. &c. &c. Fish is caught 
and served out generally, when possible : and the men are al- 
lowed to procure samphire from the cliffs, for pickling, &c. &c. 
■tvhen the service will in any way admit of it. — In harbour, many of 
the men support families upon this allowance ! — A Ship is divided 
on the lower decks, into spaces, denominated " Births," where the 
messes (upon an average, eight men) have their chests and bags, 
and live ; they are all kept in nice order, but some are most taste- 
fully decorated, and others truly whimsical, as will be toughed ob 



'Tis a perspective, the most eanker'd soul 
jVf ight well enjoy, -without splenetic growl. — ' 
During the meal, no duty keeps the crew 
From the repast ; a necessary few 
Alone on deck look out, till the relief 
Gives them a share too, of the dainty beef. — 
A 5hip well regulated never swerves, 
As the attended hour-glass timely serves, 
To pipe to meals, and let the sailors rest, 
Nor e'er disturb, unless by danger prest. — 
An hour elaps'd — they strike two bells, * 
The first Lieutenant briefly tells 



by-and-by. — N. B. Officers in the Navy, even Admirals, have no 
greater or better allowance of provisions from Government, than the 
Crew iu general ; — if they live better, it is at their own cost ; not 
from the Ship. — Admirals and established Commodores have how- 
ever Table-money. 

* In every Ship there is a great bell, which is struck whenever a 
half-hour glass is run out : — at the end of a Watch of ''four hours," 
it is either rung or struck eight times, being once for each half hour 
passed: and in this manner is time marked: — every "four and twenty 
hours," is divided into five watches of four hours each, and two of 
two hours, viz. the " First Watch," from eight at night till twelve; — 
the " Middle," from twelve to four ; — the *' Morning," from four to 
eight; — the "Forenoon," from eight to twelve ; — ^the "Afternoon," 
from twelve to four; — the first "Dog Watch," (as it is termed), 
from four to six; — and the "Second," from six to eight; — which 
brings us to the first watch again. — The Ship's Company are at what 
is called Watch and V\'atch, named "Larboard and Starboard ;" 
half the crew being thus always on deck: — sometimes however they 
are at three watches, — the officers usually are so, — A Lieutenant, one 
acting as such, or Master, must ever command the watch, assisted by 



23 

A Mate, or Midshipman to get 

The hands turn'd up, and have them set 

To their known duties :— ^Now the air 

Rends with '^ hands hoy !" and we prepare 

Our Ship for sea ; as just before 

The Captain^s Coxswain* from the shore 

Brought th' order also t' unmoor. — 

Our boats are hoisted in, and firmly lash'd, 
Lest overboard they might by waves be dash'd ; 
The winding Messengert is forthwith past ; 
And what in port's unbent, is now made fast. 
Ponderous bars are in the Capstan plac'd, 
And round the ends a tight-drawn cord is lac'd; 
This to unmoor the Ship is meant, as soon 
As change of tide will favour, which the Moon 
Now making distant,^ and an absent Chief, 
Affords each Officer a kind relief; 

a Master's Mate (or one acting as such), being a degree above a 
Midshipman, and a proportionate number of these last, grown up, 
with Younkers. 

* The " Captain's Coxswain," is the man who steers, and takes 
CMC of the Captain's boat; — all other boats have Coxswains also. 

f A '' Messenger," is a great rope, passed round a machine 
called the *' Capstan, " in which large bars are placed to heave it 
round by : both are used to take up an anchor. — When a Ship has 
two anchors down in opposite directions, she is said to be "moored ;" 
when one is got up, she is left at what is denominated ''single 
anchor. " 

X As the Moon governs the Tide, the Author means that its age 
at that moment did not give us the Tide we wished. 



24 

All hasten down to the respective board, 
Which though not epicurean, is well stor'd j 
And laugh and quaff, drinking " successful cruize l" 
A toast, that no one can, of course, refuse. 
While in high glee, the door is open'd wide, 
A Midshipman informs, *^ Captain 's 'long side." 
(By Quarter-masters these young men are toldj 
Who also now themselves quite ready hold ; 
All hurry up at the shrill pipe's clear sound. 
And then salute, (this they're by duty bound).* 

How happy 'tis ! as in the present case, 
When duty 's done by all with smiling face ; 
How easy 'tis ! affection to command, 
And make esteem, and discipline go hand in hand. 

Firm is the Captain of this gallant crew, 
And to the strictest rules of service true. 
Prudence with manly spirit e'er appearr 5 
If danger presses ! he no danger fears ! 
Determin'd too ^hat he will not distress 
A man's best feelings, no ! let whate'er press. 
Always, '^in short, in him you truly find 
The seaman ! officer ! and gentleman ! combined. 

* The Boatswain of a Man-of-War, always pipes when a Captain is 
coming to the Ship ; the side is then mann'd, all the Officers assem- 
ble on the Quarter-deck, and a reciprocal salute takes place, accor- 
ding to the rules of the service. 



25 

Such rules enable Nelson power to hold. 
Commanding love ! not fear ! from those controlUd, 
Joined to profound respect ! a mighty sway. 
Even in force the while life ebbs away ! ! I 
Greatness like this ! would Officers attain. 
Let them a firm, just discipline maintain, 
And perfect knowledge of their duty gain. 
Be but a Seaman, and a Seaman's friend, 
Bold, prudent, strict, yet kindly condescend, 
And on the Tar's devoted love depend. 

'Tis service now so briefly he commands. 
That '^ to unmoor the ship be pip'd all hands :" 
'Tis instant done ! and now with constant round 
The capstan heaves, each pacing to the sound 
Of fife and drum ; till the expected call 
Pipes shrilly for the welcome word " to pawl.*'"^ 
Now at the huge cat-fall each nerve is stretch'd, 
Until the anchor to the cat-head 's fetch'd ; 
Here they secure it, while the great fish-hook 
Drags to its place the heavy crooked fluke, f 

* When work is done at the capstan, music is generally played to 
make the men step together, and do it cheerfully.— To ** pawl," is to 
secure the capstan — to stop. 

f The " cat," is a great hook-block, by which the anchor is brought 
up to the cat-head, which is a very strong piece of timber projecting 
from each side of the fore-castle (the foremost and uppermost deck 
of a Frigate). The *' fail" is a rope which, by passing through any 
two blocks or sheaves as in a pulley or jack weight, becomes a pur- 



26 

Thus is the Ship unmoor'd. 
And while by some this anchor is secur'dj 
The rest to weigh the other quickly hie. 
And at the capstan move as tho' they fly ! 
Exhilarating thoughts elate the Tar, 
Whose sanguine mind expects successful war. 
Now is the rival Frigate quickly ta'en. 
Now does an humbler prize give richer gain s 
Th' anticipation does the purpose serve 
Of aiding strength by bracing ev'ry nerve. 
They heave her thro' the tide's opposing force, 
Until the Boatswain, with loud voice and hoarse, 
Calls out '' to pawl," first, howe'er, piping shrilly 
His mates re-echo, till the whole stand still. 
For ever, 'fore you quit your port, 
Thus on the cable you heave shorty 
To set, and trim each lofty sail, 
So that your ship may never fail 
To move as wish'd, and catch the gale.* 



} 



chase, — an increase of power. The '' fish hook" is an immense iroa 
one, which is fastened to the crooked part of the anchor called its 
** arm," or " fluke," and brings it up, by also a mechanical poww", 
horizontal to the Ship's side, where it is firmly secured. 

^ Before the last anchw is taken up, it is absolutely necessary to 
set such sail, and have it so trimmed, as that your ship may be under 
command, not at the mercy of wind and tide, when she is let loose — 
therefore you heare in to s© much cable, as to prevent the anchors 
starting, and set proper sail. 



2T 

A signal from the flag-ship madcj 
Instant departure too, forbade. 

Some fresh instructions, or to ask 
(A telegraph perforins this task) 
The Admiralty Board a question ; 
It seems requiring short digestion, 
No matter what ; for nothing 's said :— 
And now '^ to weigh'' by signal 's made: 

Quickly aloft, the active restless crew 
To clear away the close furl'd canvass flew 
At the clear order, topsails are let fall ! 
Sheeted home!* set !t " up anchor!" then's the calL 
Scarce said than done ! and now the Ship is cast, 
The yards are trimm'd, the anchor is made fast. 
Accomplish'd once — each drawing sail is spread, 
And foam flies from the bold repelling head. 
Our anxious Captain would the 'vantage seize 
Of the fast freshening favourable breeze 
To double yonder jutting, distant cape, 
And before night his course with safety shape. 

All sail once made, the first Lieutenant get& 
The decks clear'd up, and then a watch he sets. 

* Those large ropes which haul the two lowest corners of square 
sails (called " clues") out to the lower yard-anns, are denominated 
" sheets ;" hence, when these ropes are dragged on, it is called 
" sheeting home," when the corners, or clues, come close to the 
yard-arm, the sails are then " sheeted home ;" they are afterwards 
lioisted, and trimmed. 



28 

An ojQ&ng* got, we haul our colours down ; 

No longer is the warlike pen'ant blown^ 

In waving curls upon the breeze ; instead, 

A cornet vane graces the high mast-head. + 

That colours we mayn't hoist again, we pray. 

Until our foe, close alongside, we lay ! 

As yet no anxious fear has dar'd intrude, 

The active bustle gave no time to brood. 

But now the watch is set, and o'er the beam 

The glowing sun darts a diminish'd gleam ; 

And now astern, the distant, lessening shore 

Raises the anxious thought : — Perhaps no more 

Sweet native land!, kind friends !, and mistress dear I 

May the lov'd sight of j^ou our spirits cheer : 

Perhaps we're destined to a distant land I 

Perhaps arrested by death's icy hand ! 

Perchance tho' fate ordains us to return, 

Yet may we have the maid belov'd to mourn ; 

Distracting thought ! unmanning e'en the brave, 

Our hearts' best treasure sunk into the gravel 

— Fearful departure ! — deep art thou imprest, 

Sad is my mind, and painful heaves my breast I 

* An ** offing'^ implies an indefinite distance from the land. 

•f The ** comet vane," is a short and rather broad kind of pendant, 
hoisted in lieu of it, and chiefly to shew how the wind blows ; it is 
haul'd down, and the pendant again hoisted, when a Man-of-War is 
seen, — that is, if you wish to be known : the ensign is always at the 
same time shewn. 



] 



29 

Ah ! can I e'er forget thee, for you bring 

Foreboding thoughts, which most acutely sting. 

I feel the pang, in bitterness arise, 

And drop a glist'ning tear, while checking forcing sighs 

— But hark ! the drum with awful pause resounds, 

My pulse throbs quick at the portentous sounds, 

And instantaneous heal'dare ray mind's late deep wounds 

This is to quarters,* the inspiring call! 

The glowing image that pervades us all 

Is this, ye British Hearts of Oak, O say 

If 'mongst your manly crews one Tar cries nay ! 

If one is found ? then brand me for a knave, 

Who meanly thinks to flatter!, or to rave ! 

Judge then ! the image this : A haughty foe 

With arrogance, and threats of what he'll do, 

Seems tow'ring near, with bulky, gilded crest, 

Raising in each brave Briton's swelling breast, 

The daring, eager wish to low'r his pride, 

And, spite of force superior, lay him alongside ! ! ! 

— Such is the image, which pervades us all, 
When the drum's cheering beats to quarters call ! 



* The " beat to quarters/' id est, " to arms/ ' consists of some 
loud taps of the drum, and then a pause ; and so again. A short 
time before sunset every evening, the men are thus called to their 
guns and stations for action, nmstered, seen if they are sober, and the 
Ship ascertained to be in perfect readiness for battle,— every thing 
in its place. 



30 

Each Officer reports " his station clear 5 

^' That he has muster'd, and his men appear, 

^^ Perfectly sober, fit at any hour, 

^' A thund'ring broadside on the foe io pour, 

^* Should he come on." — As soon as e'er the Chief 

Is satisfied of this, with order brief, 

He issues a command, that the retreat 

Directly may (and not unwish'd) be beat. 

This done ! we hear a still more welcome sound 

Re-echo from the winding calls around; 

" Down hammocks hoy !" Soft music to the ear 

These words (tho' harsh) to Tars must e'er appear t 

Tho' rough the bed, and tho' uncouth it seem 

To swing, and hang close to the pond'rous beam^ 

Yet will no thought of this e'er envious mar 

The sleep profound, of the unthinking Tar. 

A coarse spun hammock, is a bed of down^ 

For sweet repose its inmates ever crown. 

'Tis soon hung up ; and now, the watch below 

Into its kindly folds their wearied bodies stow. 

Tir'd by their duty, yet not past their strength, 

They sleep almost while stretching out their length.* 

^ *' The hammock" is of a very coarse texture, the full length of a 
man, and broad enough to contain a small bed, blankets, &c. 6?c., 
and to come well round him :— it is attached to two of the Ship's beams 
by a great many small cords, which draw it close at the ends, but it 
opejis sufficiently when you get in. Yon are obiipd to sleep cloit 



31 

On deck, the twilight glimmers o'er the sky, 
And thro' the cords the whisp'ring breezes sigh ; 
Now here and there some rippling of the tide 
Strikes on the ear, and sparkles on the side 
hi silver foam ; the vessel onward smoothly glides, 
And into circles luminous, the wave divides* 
Ocean ! O would'st thou but this image keep, 
Thus on thy tranquil bosom let us sleep, 
What joys would tend the ploughing of the deep! 

The evening fine, our sev'ral Officers meet, 
And tread the deck, with quickly passing feet. 
Our Captain laughs and jokes, or tells the news. 
The invitation he will not refuse 
To eat his bread and cheese, or cold roast beef, 
Down in the gun-room, when a single reef 
Is in the topsails ta'en* ; soon as we get^ 
With proper care, yon blazing light-house set. 



to the beams, or it would be too low in the middle, it has however 
swing enough to ease the motion of the vessel. — After a hard dr^y^s 
work the watch below are glad to turn in, be it only for half an hour. 
The hammocks are scrubbed once a month, generally speaking, to 
keep them clean and sweet — are got up every morning at half past 
seven o'clock, and piped down after the muster at quarters. Their 
use in action, and the method of stowing them, will be observed on, 
in another place. 

* " The Gua-room" is where the Lieutenants, Masters, Marine 
Officers, Surgeon, Purser, and Chaplain mess, in Frigates ; and have 
cabins partitioned off. on each side : it is immediately under the 
Captain's cabia in vessel* (generally speaking) of onjr tier of guns ; m 



32 

For a« the breeze still favours, we no more j 

Expect to see our dear lov'd native shore, > 

'Till cruise is o'er. ^ 

This weighty charge our Master undertakes, 
The Chief attending, fearful of mistakes ; 
For, if a just departure* be not ta'en, 
Th' intricate course aright we ne'er could gain ; 
Ne'er reach our station, or our destin'd port, 
But unknown, fatal dangers, blindly court; 
Ne'er make some cape, our foe to intercept, 
Or wily cruise, while the mid sea is kept. 

In short — if, when the land you have in sight. 
You do not set it carefully 'fore night, 
Marking the bearing and the distance true. 
You may have dismal cause, such a neglect to rue ! 
At sea, indeed, your real situation 
May be discover'd by an observation 

two and three deckers, it is on the lower gun-deck ; and in all, from 
the stern, a certain distance forward. It is usual to reduce the sail 
moderately before the first watch, as more sail can of course be 
carried with safety in the day, than night. 

* The ''Departure" mentioned before, merely implied, going from 
the land — for as it was not stt^ it could not be the regular Ship's de- 
parture, which means, noting by compass, the bearings and distance 
©f the last known spot of land, before you launch into the ocean : — 
from this, you commence your reckoning, that is, calculation of 
route — in doing which there are two methods, one by the log and 
compass, which is *' dead reckoning ;" the other by observing sun, 
moon, and stars, with quadrants or sextants, and a chronometer^— ' 
which is by " observation." 



33 

0( a clear sun, a shining' star and raooiij 
And correct time-piece, noted opportune. 
But should (as oft') the weather gloom with haze^ 
No cheering sun dart forth unclouded rays. 
No full-orb'd moon be seen, or twinkling star, 
But condens'd vapours, for a period mar 
Ev'ry attempt we make at lunar rules, 
(For weather will not mind, you know, our schools) 
*Tis then dead reck'ning's real worth is known, 
When for a time, all hope of sunshine 's flown. 
And if you have no just departure gain'd. 
If you have not a course correct maintain'd, 
If you've not watch'd throughout, with Seamen's eyes. 
The loss of ship, and life, should not at all surprise !!! 
— From past experience, and from other's woes^ 
The fatal truth of this the Captain knows ; 
With caution therefore he himself inspects. 
And also (if the case requires) directs 
The Master's setting of th' eventful light; 
Sees if the bearing 's just, and distance right. 
This lastj however, (and no instance rare^) 
May still be wrong, in spite of all your care : 
Distance by water is so oft deceivingj 
That in your judgement there is scarce believing *. 

* The author has seen some very ingenious tables, composed by a 
Mr. Pyeman, who for many years commanded merchant-vessds 
in theBaltic trade, calculated to ascertain a Ship's precise distance at 
night (when sailing) by taking two bearings of a stationary light, and 
marking the distance run between taking them. To the best of 



34 

Unless it is by long experience tried — 
This was our useful, steady Master's pride. 
Not learn'd indeed, but of experience vain ; 
With reason ; — he had plough'd the stormy main 
Full thirty years, and for a Seaman's part 
To smartly play, none could before him start ; 
But, as I said, unlearned of the schools, 
And hardly vers'd in those resplendent rules 
Which form the OiF'cer, make th' exalted mind 
Worship and practise principles refin'd* ; 
Such as have in our Navy often shone. 
And the world's ardent admiration won ; 
Tho' most since Nelson 'gan his great career, 
Does the full force of this remark appear : — 
Let him then be the model to revere. 

Meanwhile the Watch, and helping Idlers f , make 
Seamanly haste, and in the topsails take 
A single reef, — which soon as ere they get, 
The course is given, proper sail is set, 
The sparkling spray again begins to wet. 

the Author's recollection, the calculations were made on the Anhalt 
light in the Cattegat; — applicable however to all. 

* A Master of a Man-of-War has the especial charge of naviga- 
ting the Ship; that is, keeping her reckoning: they have, almost 
invariably, been brought up in the merchant's service, and are men 
of very great experience ; rough, practical Seamen, not in general 
Lunarians, or much of the Officer. It is not to be presumed, how- 
ever, but that many of them are both. 

f By " Idler," is meant one who does not keep watch ; as, an 
Officer's servant, Cook, &c. &c. but who are often called to assist 
the Watch on deck, and always, when all hands are required. 



35 

*Tis now " Eight Bells :" — as soon as ever rung*, 
Hark, the shrill pipe, and Boatswain's Mate's hoarse tongue : 
That piping round, this gruff discordant shout. 
Is that the Watch below may quick turn out. 

Our Ship once snug, the active bustle o'erj 
Soon is the welcome provender, in store, 
Laid on the Gun-room table, cover'd neat 
With the white cloth, and rosy cold roast meat; 
Good hot potatoes, pickles, and sound cheese; — "j 

Add now keen hunger's sav'ry sauce to these, > 

They cannot fail (us Tars at least) to please. ^ 

Soon as the Captain, from the Steward, hears 
That " Supper 's ready," he at once appears. 
The bow and smile his grateful entrance grace, 
Bows are return'd,^ and smiles o'erspread his face ; 
A pleasing sympathy throughout we trace. 
Good-humour'd joke and pun at times preside, 
And with fresh appetite the palm divide. 
Our puns, indeed, may, from a true Sea Building, 
To dainty wits, require a somewhat gilding ; 
But 'tis a thing, alas ! won't stand at sea, 
Gilding spon washes from the part a-lee *. 



* The " Lee-side of a vessel," is that farthest from the wind^ 
under which a smaller object (such as a boat) would find shelter; 
it is often, from the force of wind, sunk considerably in the water, 
while the other side (in contra-distinction termed the " Weather'* 
one) is proportionally raised. 

^2 



36 

^^ A solid, rough-hewn plank, a rough-spun Tar, 
" Are the most fit to stand the waves and war*." 

Well, but the supper : — Does then nought appear,. 
No kind libation to wash down the cheer ? — 
Querist, your pardon !— Beer and spirits, wine 
In clean decanters, and in rtimmers, shine. 

The cloth remov'd, most mix the cheering grog; — 
Hail, grateful relish !, after salt-junk progt. 
Tho' we must strain thee thro' our well-clos'd teeth, 
To get thee limpid from the grounds beneath ; 
Yet art thou nectar's godlike, tasty juice, 
After a long two-month's Atlantic cruise J. 
Of this anoii ; it is a mixture now 
May even please the palate of a beau I 
If not, there's good rough port, and punch, you know. 

While this abaft §, — before, the Middys treat 
Their hungry maws with biscuit, cheese, and meat ; 
With grog, which out, and nothing left but bones, 
O'er the sad prospect each poor Middy groans ; 



* That is^ hardy and manly, not the least effeminate, indulging 
in that peculiar sort of humour which, it is to be hoped, will ever 
be found at sea, yet not forgetting the Gentleman and Officer. 

f Salt beef is term'd "junk" by the Sailors, probably on account 
of cables, when old, hard, and dry, being cut in junks, that is, cer- 
tain lengths, for oakum, which it becomes when picked out. 

X The water carried to sea, after a time, gets very offensive. 

§ " Aft," or " abaft," signifies nearer the stern ; behind. — As 
" Before," or " Forward," means the reverse ; nearer the stem. 



37 

Curses the Purser *, wishes a good prize^ 
Tears ofF his clothes, and to his hammock hies, 
Tho' first some youngster merry mischief tries. 
The Sailors too, crack biscuit, swig their beer, 
And eat what 's left of their good mid-day cheer; 
All swear for Prizes, while each thinks 'tis he 
Will have the luck the first good Priz« to see.— 
But one old Sailor, deeper than th^ rest, 
Gives to old Davy Jones a grand bequest ; 
A shoe, or hat ! (well season'd) is the lure 
To coax th' old fellow, and the Prize secure : 
Also that he may be the happy dog, 
To first discover, and obtain the grog, 
Our Captain's promise to that lucky wight, 
Who first cries out, " A sail (if ta'en) in sightf !" 



* This Officer has the charge of finding a Ship in provisions, is- 
suing them, and keeping an account of ditto, &c. &c. — He now 
and then comes in for a hearty growl, when he will not give more 
than the allowance. As the situation is, however, highly respectable 
in itself, and the line of promotion still more so, viz. to be Secre-^ 
taries to Admirals, sometimes to the Admiralty, and become Officers 
in Dock-yards, &c. &c. ; it seldom happens but that men of re- 
spectability fill it. Nothing consequently is meant by these ebulli- 
tions. — Pursers are brought up first as Writers and Clerks to Captains 
of Men-of-War. 

f " Davy Jones " is a very common name given to Ocean by 
Sailors. — Tt is an absolute fact, that some superstitious old seamen 
have been known to cast some old thing into the sea, at the begin^ 
ning of a cruise, for " luck.'* , A bottle of spirits, or glass of grog, 
is frequently promised by a Captain to that man who first discovers 
a good prize : this stimulates sharpness of look-out. 



38 

Nioe now approaches, and the Watch below 
Musi, 'fore it strikes, into their Hammocks go, 
As then the Corporal will go his round 
To, without fail, (as he 's by duty bound) 
Extinguish lights, send Loiterers to sleep ; 
See that no Skulkers * in the 'tween-decks keep. 
Stop too, in Hammocks, any noisy sports ; 
All which when done, he instantly reports 
To the Lieutenant, who on deck looks out ; 
And, should there be qf this no sort of doubt, 
This Officer his Captain tells, 
Whom sense of duty soon impels, 
To quit the Gun-room, and repair 
On deck ; — for 'tis his constant care, 
Before he sleeps, himself to see 
That ev'ry thing in order be, — 
Sufficient sail, — the course aright. 
In short, all fit for storm and fight. 
Perhaps he walks the deck till ten, 
(If ev'ry thing goes well,) and then 
He gives his orders for the night. 
And sleeps (should nought occur) till near daylight f. 

* " Skulker," one who skulks, — shrinks from duty. 

f There is a " Master at Arms," or a '' Ship's Corporal," or 
both (accorclmg to the size) in every Man-of-War, whose duty it is 
to have the custody of prisoners, take care of fire and lights, and, 
generally, prevent irregularities. At nine o'clock all must be quiet. 



As at that time, it is the constant care 
To look for sails *, and for the chace prepare : 
But 'fore this period, should th' inconstant gale 
Freshen, or shift, so as we shorten sail, 
Or should a vessel thro' th' obscure appear, 
Which when it happens must of needs be near ; 
On such events, then is the Captain told 
Without delay, who says what course to hold ; 
And in an instant starting from his rest, 
He is as quickly out of bed and drest. 
No matter what the weather, he'll not shun 
The deck, but see that things be rightly done : 
(Tho' first of all, the care on deck 
Is, that the Ship 's not made a wreck +.) 

The first Lieutenant (to the Mate) 
Gives the like orders, not so late 
Perhaps he 's call'd, as, from watch free. 
The rule of service is that he 



and lights out ; this is reported to the Lieutenant of the Watch, who 
again reports to the Captain, who retires early to bed, and invari- 
ably, prior to it, inspects on deck, and gives orders for the night. 

* Vessels are frequently termed thus, " Strange sails," — or^ 
" A Sail," &c. &c. 

f The primary duty of the Officer of the Watch, is to keep his 
Ship from being run on board of, or running on board of another, 
If no danger of this, still he must keep aloof, until it is made out 
what the stranger is, and the Captain is acquainted. If the Lieute- 
nant cannot leave the deck, a Midshipman or Mate must be sent for 
this purpose. 



40 

Should stand all calls, and ever rise, 

Before the morning streaks the skies.— 

This term is too indef nite, say, 

At four or five o'clock, he may. 

He must especially attend, 

(While all a due assistance lend) 

To regulate a Ship and Crew ; 

But as to wiat the Watch can do. 

That the Officer oft directs, 

A- Captain here alone corrects*. 

Now all around is hush'd, save where the Sea's 

Increasing tops break wjth the freshening breeze. 
Now up the Frigate turns her weather-side. 
The billows now no longer smoothly glide. 
But rise abrupt, and with a sprinkling, wet 
The lower parts of sails, the lowest set; 
Our Frigate seems to murmur, as she tries 
To keep between the threat'ning wave and skies ; 
While oft' a crack and surge alarm the ear, 
Starting, the landman now proclaims his fear ! 

No sooner up than, ah ! he slips and falls, 
A Tar, delighted, for the '- Butcher" calls,— 



* This Officer's duty is multifarious and momentous ; he super- 
intends every possible duty on board Ship. In port, all things go 
on through him: — at sea also, except what concerns the working of 
the Ship in the Watch, which the Lieutenant of the Watch always 
directs, 



41 

(That 'jy among themselves, not where there's duty, 
Sil'?nce is then, you know, the greatest beauty.) 

This calling " Butcher " is a standing joke 
To frigliten novices, poor simple folk ! 
And as a sarcasm on some Surgeons meant, 
Who (as in all professions) have a bent 
Power to pervert, and make a real blessing, 
(At least what might be) to all hands distressing. 
The careful Officer observes each cloudy 
And ever and anon, in accents loud, 
Accosts those men appointed to look out, 
Who quickly answer, by a wakeful shout.— 
Watchful he notes the Vessel's quicken'd pace, 
And makes the Mate his observations trace, 
With due precision, on the log-board's leaf, 
Containing muqh, altho' in order brief; 
And mark'd at every revolving hour, 
Or oft'ner, should the windy dark squalls lour*. 

For e'er before much sail is furl'd, 
The Log-ship t in the Sea is hurl'd, 



* The " Log-board" is a folding one, painted black and varnish- 
ed. On it the occurrences of the Watch are carefully marked with 
chalk, and at twelve every day copied into the Ship's Log-book ; the 
great voucher for all her transactions. 

f A small, flat, triangular piece of wood, loaded at one of its 
edges with lead, in order to make it sink just beneath the surface of 
the water, and thus become stationary. It is thrown into the sea 
with a sm^l line attached, divided into lengths^ marked by knots. 



42 

By, if he's disengagM, the Mate ; 
If not, a Midshipman must state 
What he may find out is the rate, 
And mark the course the Ship has run, 
Directed by the frequent con *, 
Attended well, for fear without 
The Ship might often yaw t about. — 
A rough Log-book, instead of board, 
Is often with this knowledge stor'd ; 
And mark'd with ink ; indeed so best, 
Chalk will not stand so great a test. — 

Still, tho' increas'd the breeze, 'tis not a gale. 
Nor is there reason to take in much sail ; 
Therefore the Watch, hot stationed to look out, 
Rest their tir'd limbs, and stretch the deck throughout, 
All in their places tho', that at a call 
Those destin'd may begin to pull and haul :j:. 



each of which bears the same proportion to a " mile," as the total 
of seconds in your sand-glass does to an '* hour." The glass is often 
compared with watches, for fear of damp ; and the log-line measured, 
lest there should have been extension or contraction. 

f To *' con " a ship, is to direct the Helmsman how to steer 
continually. 

* To *' yaw," is to steer unsteadily. — It applies properly to sail- 
ing ** free," that is, from the wind. 

f When no duty is required, the Watch is allowed to lay down 
on deck in their watch-coats, and sleep ; but all in their stations ; 
which gives rise to the saying, " Up to sleep, and down to rest.** 
This however does not extend to Officers. 



43 

Yet — *tis the true-bred Seaman's manly pride 
Such relaxation ever to deride ; 
He, circled by his fellows, tells some tale 
Of fearful import; — sometimes he may rail, 
At other times, chaunt forth a doleful ditty ! 
Not quite to move the feeling soul to pity. 
Jack has for this, alas! a sorry knack, 
No tender soul, I fear, would cry good lack ! 
'Tis such a jargon of odd whims and scenes, 
Of flashing lightnings, and of wooing Queans, 
Who all, of course, without e*en asking, gave 
Their hearts to Jack, the beauteous, and the brave! 
Of sighing love-sick Damsels, all forlorn. 
Telling " how Sailors left them for to mourn. 
And how they hopes they will to them return :" — 
Of dreadful storms, where ruin stalks around, 
When whirlwinds rise, and mountain-billows bound ; 
Yet Jack will carelessly both drink and sing, 
And be as happy, aye ! as any King, 
Tho' faith, good people, it is no such thing ! 

Well then the Ship is drove a wreck on shore, 
Jack loses all his hard-earn'd golden store, 
Yet still expects, good simple soul! to find 
His mistress constant, and his old friends kind, 
The sad reverse, they passing soon explain, 
Neglect is all poor honest Jack gru gain : 
The very truth of thisy I will maintain. 



} 



44 

There arc exceptions to each geii'ral rule ; 
To say 'tis not so — proves you knave or fool; 
So here^ the shipwreck'd, or the worn-out Tar 
Oppress'd with sickness, caught in constant war, 
No longer fit his Country's cause to fight, 
But claiming honour! as his well earn'd right. 

Tho' such a man, is oft' unheeded past, 
Yet is he not from all^ thus sternly cast ; 
The lib'ral, wise, and just, respect his lot, 
And service past, by these is ne'er forgot.— 
Cherish'd by worth, heed not the passing throng, 
Unfeeling idiots never can do wrong!!! — 

But there are songs of a far different cast, 
Of former Heroes and of battles past, 
Inspiring love of country, and of fame, 
With whatsoe'er can grace a Seaman's name; 
Aye, and well sung, in accents manly clear, 
In voice downright Stentorian, void of fear, 
This should be ; as a puling, feeble sound 
Must by the dashing of the waves be drown'd. 

Oft' have I listen'd to the pleasing lay. 
And quickly pass'd a ^ur-hours watch away. 

The queer-told tale was too no stupid break! 
If not for matter yet for telling's sake. 
Sea wit also yielded much merriment. 
Sailors for this have an especial bent. 



45 

Each while a youngster would my senses charm, 
^nd would e'en now my calmer bosom warm. 

Thus pass'd the Watch till midnight struck or rung 
" Starbowlines, hoy, turn out * ! " is hoarsely sung 
By Boatswain's Mates : the thrilling echoing call 
Whistling around before the Stentor bawl — 
The Mate now gives a light, and rowsiug tells + 
The third Lieutenant, it is past Eight Bells ; 
While a gruff Quarter-master's growling voice 
Wakens, with heedless and tormenting noise, 
The Midshipman and Mate, — not to rejoice; 
That is, the youngsters who don't choose, 
In troth, to shake off their sweet snooze. 
Regardless is the Quarter-master ; 
The more they snore, he shakes the faster. 
Till forc'd, at length, to wake and speak, 
Some youths a piteous refuge seek. 



* When you stand at the Stern of a Vessel, and face the Stem 
(Prow), the side on your right is denominated *' Starboard,'' that 
on your left *' Larboard ;" (this last, however, when you con, you 
term " Port," in order to prevent being misunderstood by the 
Helmsman). A Ship's company, when divided into two Watches, 
arc called after the sides on which they keep when all lipids are 
employed, viz. " Larbowlines," and "Starbowlines." 

* " Rowsing" is the Sea pronunciation of rousing. The Mate 
of a Watch always calls the Lieutenant who is to relieve the deck. 



46 

In, " Oh Vm sick ! IVe lost my shoe !" 

Sigh out a doleful, whining few, 

But this slack gammon * will not do. 

Some stern old mate, who hears the cry, 

R.)ars loudly, " Turn out, you young fry, 

" Or ril be with you by-and-by." 

No sooner heard, than up they start, 

And upon deck but half-dress'd dart. 

Indeed it is but meet I tell, 

All must be there before One Bell + ; 

As then the Mate a muster makes 

Of the relief, and notice takes 

And makes report, 

Of such as do their hammocks court, 

Being, unlike smart Seamen, caught 

Below, in lieu of where they ought : — 

A true-bred Seaman 's never found 

Skulking or lazy; see him bound 

Eager on deck, where e'er the call, 

No danger can his spirit pall. 

He who can't quick turn out and dress, 

To whom to rise at night 's distress, 

. , ■ .,',',„'■, = 

* " Slack gammon" implies talking loosely, wildly ; a cant term 
of course. 

t " One Bell/» that is, the first half hour after the Watch is 
called. 



47 

Must be a novice yet at Sea, 
Nor from his mammy's apron free ! — 
When thus, for a few minutes' lag, 
Th' offender stands a tiresome fag, — 
But just tho', while the active men 
May rest their bodies how and when 
They please, he must still move about ; 
And rightly serv'd, the lazy lout ! 
Again transgressing, for the crime 
He walks the deck a longer time. 

The moon's great orb is now in vapours clad, 
A gauzy veil, but not of import bad. 
Fresh is the breeze, swift is the vessel's pace. 
While far astern, her sparkling wake * we trace. 
The clear night-air our fibres tightly string. 
And o'er the deck, at first, we nimbly spring, 
Till the blood circulating ardour cools, 
And now the splendid moon attention rules. 
At the Lee Gangway t, in my Grego t wrapt, 
I gaze, — while rambling fancy will adapt 



* The " Wake" of a vessel, is the path she leaves in the water 
for a considerable distance, which in the day-time is white from 
foam, but on a dark night quite sparkling arid luminous. 

f The ** Gangway" is a kind of narrow causeway, which con- 
nects the Quarter-deck and Forecastle. The opening by which you 
enter a Ship is at one end of this, close to the Quarter-deck. A 
" Grego" is a large Watch-coat, sometimes called a Flushing, froi^ 
the great number brought from that town, at least formerly. 



48 

Ideal forms to clouds and vap'ry mistj 
Till misled judgement almost would insist 
Tbat they were real, monstrous tho' they seemj 
Tho' they with threatening shapes terrific teem. 
While thus I gaz'dj by fancy's pow*r entranc'd, 
A whisp'ring wak'd me, and my eye I glanc'd 
To whence it came — Oh, oh, two busy Mids, 
One youngster acting as the other bids. 
Intent on something, with mischievous gle6:-~ 
Come ; let us try and find what this can be — 
Without disturbance, following their points, 
I soon see some one with his stretch'd-out joints 
In the Main Chains * ; scarce could I cast a look, 
When ev'ry nerve with tickling laughter shook : 
The wicked imps had a poor Watch Mate found, 
Stretch'd at his utmost length, and sleeping sound ; 
Heavy and sick, for these are e'er combin'd. 
As those who first tempt Davy Jones will find* 
No better fun desired — the water 's brought, 
And hove smack over him as quick as thought ! 
The dreaming wretch thinks in the Sea he's sous'd, 
And puffs and blows for life, till fairly rows'd 
By the loud laugh, he whimp'ring slinks below, 
And thinks he now may to his hammock go. 



* The ** Main Chains," or Channels, are a kind of narrow and short 
platform, projecting over the Ship's sides, and secured by strong 
iron plates and links. Lower Masts have their respective Chains* 
^ which the Shrouds are affixed. 



49 

Alas, poor youth ! — a novice yet at Sea, 

Nor from initiation's trammels free, 

Tlio' you have suffer'd from a Grampus blown *, 

More 's to be done, before you're let alone. — 

If to sleep sound or safe is your desire, 

Alas ! from frying-pan you're in the fire ! — 

No sooner snoring in the Hammock's fold, 

Than the same youngsters, silent, sly, and bold, 

With caution steal and eagerly combine 

To tie to toe, expos 'd, the cramping twine; 

No sooner felt the unexpected smart. 

Than the poor helpless gives a fearful start, — 

Strikes his bewilder'd head against the beam ; 

They instant slack, — he thinks it but a dream, 

And sleeps again, — again the urchins pull ; 

Now he roars out, and bellows like a bull. 

Then down they low'r him — ^but pray mark! no more 

He cries — his fright is far too great to roar : 

The place is yet but new, — all 's dark around, 

He thinks himself, poor soul ! now under ground, 

Or God knows where, — until arous'd by laughing. 

The Mids cannot contain, he takes to chaffing, 



* The " Grampus" is a species of the Whale ; it raises its head 
V cry now and then out oi the water to blow ; — hence the Sailcws 
aptly call this trick *' Blowing the Grampus;" the poor wretch 
blowing like one at first. 



50 

And fairly blubbers, while on deck he limps, 

Forc'd by the teazing of these wicked imps. 

Slowly he drags with an unsteady gait, 

His just discovered, weary, heavy weight. — 

Till the Lieutenant gives him a new life, 

By calling to him, asking for his knife, 

Giving a biscuit and a slice of chees^, 

With a good glass of grog, to wash down these.-* 

Exhilarated by the cheerj 

All his sufferings disappear. 

A middle watcher * at the hour of two, 

Shews what refreshment taken then can do : 

In truth it has a magical effect. 

It makes bur thoughts in glowing tints be dcck^.^ 

And the remaining time when us*d to cruise, 

Is quickly passM in converse to amuse. — 

We talk of Sweet-hearts, of those lovely girls 

Whose various charms, each youth in turn unfurls; 

Dwelling with rapture on th' enchanting graces, 

Fondly remembered in their shapes and faces. — 

And, O ! 'tis happy, when the mart^ join^ 
To charm the Tar ; one cannot then purloin 
His gen'rous, manly, but too open heart, 
Alas ! too ready to receive Love's dart ; 

* A Luncheon, during the Middle Watch, is thus termed. 



51 

If thro' his veins the potent poison flowsj 

And for one maid his heated bosom glows, 

Madly unthinking, he would instant wed 

Tho' fatal cares surround his bridal bed ; 

For where can anguish more intense be found ? 

Than in that state where a poor youth is bound 

In wedlock*s band, who with keen ardour loves ; 

While from his lip, fate tantalizing shoves 

The scarce yet tasted cup of bliss supreme, 

But evanescent as the midnight dream ! ! ! 

Six fleeting days of heav'nly rapture past,-— 

Of rapture doom'd, O Fate, to be the last. 

When " orders seal'd " his late bright prospects mar 

And force him out to traverse seas afar * ; 

When to return? — when, wretched youth, indeed! 

That fearful when !, makes both their fond hearts bleed 

At ev'ry pore. — Where now their wond'rous joy B 

Their bliss, so late, without the least alloy ? 

Vanished ! — 'tis gone I— perhaps for ever fled ! 

Not only this most agonizing dread. 

But othef'xdLc\img cares and fears intrude, 

And give them bitter, bitter cause to brood— 



• The change of station, in the Navy, is sudden and extensive to 
the last degree: — a vessel may be cruising in the North Sea, come 
in to victual, have " sealed orders" put on board her, (to open in a 
certain latitude,) with an extra quantity of stores, and be ©l£,in » 
day or two, nay a few hours, for the East Indies. 

Eg 



32 

'Twas a love match ! — What 's in his pow'r to givcj 

Will never let his darling Fanny live; 

Excepting under a dependent roof. 

Where she must daily, — hourly, — ^meet reproof 

From those, whose good advice, alas I she scorn*d, 

To marry him whom kindred worth adorn'd; 

But one on whom, poor fellow I fortune frown'd. 

And who, — still worse 1 — to war's wild trade was bound. 

Her scanty portion is indeed most slender ; 

And when it is expended, who will lend her ? 

Who will herself, and hapless babe protect? 
For this we know, maybe! O! — to reflect 
Is agony extreme, and to look forward, 
The prospect even is still more untoward ! — 

'Tis terrible, but still it is most true. 
Many a pair have thus sad cause to rue : — 
But tho* you be a kinder fortune's care, 
In point of greater affluence, to despair 
You still have reason : — absence is, alas ! 
A fate which will most surely come to pass. 
Say, then, won't this idea at times intrude ? 
Will it not be for sad disquiet food ? 
May not the Wife, so lovely and so young, 
.Moving in pleasures, gulling paths among, 
AVhen tinprotected by a Husband's care. 
Fall in the libertine's destructive snare ? 



53 

Say, is there falsehood in the bitter thought ? 
Can sterling truth alone by proof be brought 
In our own wretched case ? If we espy 
The fact in others ^ why then madly try ? 

In youth, we know, the boiling blood is up, 
Nor can our passions stand the Syren cup ; 
Each sex cold caution's warning rules despise. 
And who will most deride her heedless tries !!! 

At all events, his love must e'er torment, 
Must be a fruitful source of discontent ; 
While from the charming Wife's embrace away. 
Longing for home, cursing each tedious day, 
Duty disgusts ; and his once-daring soul 
Yields to the demon Discontent's control. 
No longer full of spirit, free from care, 
He mopes about, the fmage of despair ! — 
Perhaps at length neglects his Country's cause. — 

Ha ! what a fearful, what a solemn pause ! — 

Forgetful of the consequence at stake, 
Forgetful of himself he'll madly break 
Thro' all, for cursed lover-sick fancy's sake. — 
Love, when it 's pure, has reason for its guide ; 
This begets Honour ! — both should check the Tide, 
Nor let it e'er o'erwhelm the lovely yielding fair, 
And blight the blossom with heart-rending care — 



54 

^^ When rank and competence attend your name, 
^^ When peace allows you to enjoy your fame, — 
^' Then you may safely seek a kindred breast, 
^' And from your toils, supremely happy, rest!!!" 

But this is grave : — I would that to my song 
Pleasing description of the Cruise belong. — 
Yet when such serious thoughts as these arise, 
There may be some their proper sense may prize, 
None the intention can, I trust, despise. 

Well !— tho' the Oldsters * pass their watch away 
In pleasant chat, nor think of coming day, 
Yet the same hapless youth, unus'd to walk 
A four-hours watch, at night, and cheerful talk, 
Soon 'gins to doze, and, 'gainst the jutting guns, 
With painful knock, his shins he often runs ; — 
Till dosing on, — they place a rope's rais'd bight + ; 
His foot is caught,-^own falls the luckless wigh^ 
Flat on the deck !— the roguish youngsters 'scape^ 
And, soon as charg'd, much serious sorrow ape. 
Th' unhappy novice sadly moans his lot, 
And cries, " Such things shall never be forgot." — 

* " Oldsters" means the older ones ; in contra-distinction to 
youngsters. 

f The '* bight'* of a rope is its bend ; a loop. It is scarcely possible 
for a young lad, on first going to sea, to keep his eyes open the whole 
of a Middle Watch ; he however soon gets broke in ;— this is one way. 



55 

But come; theWatch is out, — for ** strike eight bells. ""J 
The Off'cer now the Quarter-master tells, > 

And now " Larbowlines, hoy," relief impells. J 

The Log is hove, the Log-book mark'd and sign'd, 
To get reliev'd on deck is all we mind ; 
Soon is it done ; and now, with eager speed. 
All court that sleep, they so much stand in need> 

Nor fickle, truly, is the sleepy god ; 
How often has he weigh'd, with heavy nod. 
My slumb'ring senses, until quite opprest, 
I fairly sink o'er-come, but half undrest. 
Half in, half out df bed,-^and so remain. 
Until Tm fore'd to rise, and watch again. 
Fatigue soon drowns the billows' loudest roar, 
Npr have I ever slept so sound on shore. 



IND OF CANTO I. 



CANTO II. 



%tsiimtnu 



Morning Watch — ^Waihing Decks — Preparations for Chace — Sun* 
rise — Hammocks piped up and covered — Breakfast — Captains 
entertain their Officers — ^Thoughts on ditto— Necessity of Em' 
ployment on board Men-of-War explained — A General Exercise 
of Great Guns and Small Arms — Precautions necessary in ditto— 
An Experiment made — Firing at a Cask — Ben Brace introduced— 
Also Tom Sykes — ^The First Lieutenant ; his Character — Decks 
cleared up — Magazine secured — ^Retreat beat — Dinner — Watch 
called — Description of its various Duties — Clear the Decks after 
Work-7-Description of the Evening Sports ; viz. Dancing, Build- 
ing the Galley, Sailors dressed up. Bathing, and Single Sticks — 
Anecdote of Ben Brace ; his Character— Pat Mahony, a young 
Irish Landsman, introduced ; his Character — ^The Education of 
the Captain — A Disquisition on Learning in the Navy — Service 
injured by the Neglect of it — With various Reflections. 



THE 



CRUISE. 



CANTO II . 

W O W haste, my willing Muse, and clearly state 
The constant routine ; the events relate 
Of Morning, anxious look'd-for, joyous Morning! 
Full fraught thou art with evVy thing adorning. 
First, after night's damp, sombre, noisome shade, 
Com'st thou, with welcome light and heat array'd ; 
Perhaps, too, lovely Morn ! thou hast the grace 
To point us out, by thy sweet shining face, 
Some pretty Bark, or, better, rich Galloon *, 
Or roguish Frigate, we may catch 'fore noon. 
In such a case, my most delightful Morning I 
We would not ask for a bit more adorning. 

* *^ Galleon," 80 pronounced by Seamen. 



60 

But not in such a hurry, if you please, 
We may not quite so soon arrive at these ; 
Besides, you know, it is not yet day-light ; 
Pray, would not preparation be but right ? 

Most true ; the constant routine therefore is. 
Before that e'er bright Sol can shew his phiz, 
To have the Upper Decks completely wash'd, 
Also well scrubbed and holy-ston'd *, when dash'd 
O'er with clean sand ; the Booms too arc unlash'd 
For Steering Sails, which, soon as ever plac'd 
On lower Yards let them be, howe'er brac'd, 
Still are they ready for the active chace + ; 
Sufficient Reefs are loos'd too for the race. 
In short, on board a British Man-of- War, 
The Ship should be as ready as the Tar 



* The " Holy Stone," (so called on board ship,) is large and 
tquare ; by a rope fastened to two opposite sides, it is dragged over 
the wet sanded planks, which hence become beautifully white. 
This operation is gone through at sea before day-light, in order to 
have all clear at that time for making sail. Desirable however as 
neatness of appearance is, yet it should never be lost sight^of,, that 
the Health of a Crew is the very primary of all considerations: for 
what are a Ship and Crew, though in the highest order and disci- 
pline, if Health is not on board ? 

t These " Booms" (resembling poles) project beyond the 
Yards, to spread a long, narrow Sail, called '' Steering Sail," (pro- 
nounced " Stun-sail)." By such sails being got on the Yards, they 
are sooner set than from tlie Deck. 



61 

To catch the foe, who ever flight first tries :_ 
It is our duty to secure tlie prize. 

Well ; all's prepar'd, and ev'ry longing eye 
Strains thro' the yielding gloom, a sail to spy : 
" For certain there is one!" — " No."—" Yes, I'm sure!" 
Such-like expressions take their bandied tour ; 
Bat still the treach'rous shade evades the view, 
Nor can we find as yet who 'tis says true. 
This the Lieutenant anxiously awaits, 
And, when determin'd, to the Captain states ; 
Being, what Nightly Orders always say, 
" Report whatever 's seen at break of day." 
That nothing might be left for view untried, 
Those station'd to the lofty mast-head hied, 
That from the greater height, at broad day light. 
They may command the very farthest sight*. 

Night's sable shade now thins away apace. 
And soon shall we behold the radiant face 
Of Sol himself — for now a darting ray 
Of silver light makes the horizon gray, 
Tow'rds the illumin'd East ; 
Then comes the feast. — 



* Men are not only sent to the mast-heads just before day-light, 
but also constantly stationed there during the day, being regularly 
relieved. 



62 

For such a beauteous scene as this, at sea 5 

Will to our senses e'er a banquet be : 

As he approaches nearer to emerge, 

A livelier tint adorns the Ocean's verge ; 

The arch increases, rays of crimson dart, 

And to the sallow cheek rich glows impart. 

The eastern waves seem tipp'd with liquid fire, 

Our bosoms kindle, and we scarce respire. 

At length bright gleams, beyond expression grand ! 

Burst forth, and thro' the firmament expand; 

Not long is keen expectancy delay 'd, 

Sol rises slow, in majesty array 'd ; 

In grandeur chasing, with a gradual sweep, 

The night's dull vapours from th' expansive deep t 

Nothing is seen, save dashing waves and sky ; 

This may not be, however, by-and-by : 

The thought is cherish'd by the sanguine Tar, 

Who (as I said) will have successful war. 

Now for employment, and for neatness' sake, 
The running ropes are coil'd in flemish Fake * ; 
Tho' should there squalls, or chasing intervene, 
The ropes (of course) in common coils are seen, 



* The " Fake" of a rope, or cable, is one of the circles it forms 
when coiled. Flemishing has been described as implying the 
neatest method of coiling a rope;— in bad weather not attended 
io. 



63 

Our yellow sides and decks again are swept, 

For cleanly must, within and 'out, be kept ; 

While hammock-cloths, with greatest care are spread^, 

Ready to hold the hammock and its bed, 

Forming a famous bulwark to protect 

The men from shot. Whenever Ships are deck't 

In milk-white cloths, bright red, or ebon black, 

And neatly done ; discipline is not slack : 

Whene'er an enemy of force appears, 

The moment that the Captain for him steers, 

(Or often sooner) hammocks then are stow'd. 

In general, each man must bring his load 

At half past seven ; then, the pipe and sound. 

Of " Up all hammocks," echoes loud around*. 

This time is come ; they're stow'd and cover'd neat, 
And breakfast soon those are allow'd to eat 
Who are not station'd either to look out, 
To ropes, or plac'd to steer the Ship her route. 



* All round aMan-of-War are Nettings, in which are placed cloths 
(to cover the Hammocks containing the bedding) ; they are made of 
strong canvass, painted white, red, or black ; and when carcftiUy 
and neatly managed, add to the beauty of appearance, keep the bed- 
ding dry, and form a complete shelter from musquetry, or even 
grape-shot ; that is, in proportion to the space they occupy. Besides 
Hammock-nettings, there are others spread across the Quarter-deck, 
and (at times) other decks (those exposed), to prevent things fall- 
ing from the tops reaching the deck. There are also Boarding- 
■ettiiigs, to keep off boarders ;— seldom used by us. 



64 ' 

The moment, charming Eight o'Ciock ! is rung, 
And calls have pip'd, — (no order here by tongue,) 
Then Oatmeal Porridge, alias hot Bergou, 
Is quickly serv'd out to the hungry Crew *. 

But stop ! — the Chief, I should have sooner said, 
Had a full hour before a visit paid 
To the clean Deck. — Had any thing been seen. 
He as an active Cruiser, truly keen, 
Would have been up to urge a dashing chace, 
In the short period of a minute's space. 
From first being told; — he now takes the air, 
While in his Cabin they a meal prepare 
Of tea and butter'd rolls, — these bak'd on board, 
Than biscuit better — if one can afford. — 
When it is ready, 'tis as well to state. 
The first Lieutenant, Officer, and Mate, 
Who come off watch, in general appear 
At the Chief's table, to partake his cheer, 
In short to breakfast : — and most Captains do 
Invite the Forenoon Watch to dinner too* 

May I hope pardon, if I here digress, 
Tho' still I won't unapt reflections press, 



* To this Breakfast are given many different names by the Sailors : 
Porridge — Bergou — Skillagalee — Skyblue, &c. &c. When the meal 
is to be served out, the Boatswain is ordered '' to pipe to Break- 
fast;'* \vhen a particular whistle is given, but nothing said. 



65 

And say— that Naval Captains often feel 

Th* expensive custom of a dinner meal.— - 

At least to three— -and this too, every day * ; 

Few can indeed so sad a tax well pay : 

And yet it is allowed a serious good 

That Officers, at times, their Captains shou'd 

Thus meet at table — freely intermix;— 

Nothing can blessed Union ! so much fix.— 

On duty Officers must Off'^cers appear, 

But then they should with utmost caution steer. 

Far ! far ! from this reserve, when they should ken 

Each other only as true Gentlemen. 

When thus^ the Tar finds Officers agree. 

When thus, the Chief is strict, yet also free, 

Respecting each as he deserves to be, 

Then ceases half the cause for mutiny!!! + 



* It is the custom of the Service for a Captain to ask three Offi- 
cers to dine with him every day ; viz. a Commissioned Officer, one 
of the Gunroom who does not keep watch, and a Mate, Midship- 
man, Clerk, or Surgeon's Mate. When the price at which stock 
is laid in from sea-ports is considered, with the frequent necessity 
of replenishing it, through the inclemency of weather, it must b« 
allowed a very heavy tax on the Captain's pocket. 

f The variance of Officers, as may readily be imagined, pro- 
duces a most seriously bad effect in every branch of the Service. 
It is unnecessary here to trace this evil throughout ; it is enough to 
observe, that if dissatisfaction is observed amongst the heads of a 
Profession, it never rests there, but pervades the whole ; and if it b« 
military, where so many restless, daring spirits are found, such * 

F 



66 

If e'er an Officer forgets what 's due 
Both to his Captain, and a willing Crew, 
The Laws of Naval Service are severe, 
And will with justice make him pay most dear. 

If I may now presume, I've prov'd the use 
Of social meetings : who is 't will refuse 
To lower the tax at least ? — May I then say, 
If the Exchequer can't afford to pay 
The Captain's cost, for such expensive treating, — 
In shape, suppose, of" Table money," greeting; 
That some deduction, something, 'bore a trifle, 
Ta'en from all Prizes, ease, howe'er, the rifle 
Thus on his narrow pocket : let the man. 
Who feeds a wife and child as he best can. 
Now make that pinching best sufficient! 
Let them not be of comforts e'er deficient !!! — 
But then to take from Prizes ; how that sounds ! 
Our hope ! our rich reward for toil and wounds! 



sensation soon begets a worse. The rigour of martial law among 
the French (at least formerly) was so softened by mutual attach- 
ment, through urbanity, that the military of both professions were 
absolutely devoted to their services, in spite of the many draw- 
backs. — May the progress which we have made in this politic as well 
as noble qualification, since the transit of a Nelson !, increase so 
rapidly, as, without relaxing a nerve of discipline, to produce that 
unanimous attachment to the Service, so beyond calculation desire- 
able. But be it remembered, that nothing can compensate the 
want of enterprise and knowledge of the Profession !!! 



67 

Thus to reduce ! — O ! we will hear no more ! — 
It cuts us to the very inmost core !!! 

Now, that equality of state 's a jest. 
What we know cannot stand the proving test 
Of actual practice, and, of course, of reason ; 
Now we may say, — aye, tool and not speak treason 
Against " Sovereign Rights of Man ;" That state^ 
Given to many by a kinder fate, 
(Who even stand in such a money 'd dow'r 
As takes them to the chin ; — who rank and pow'r 
Have, but then constitutionally more^ 
Than many others ever had before ;) 
Yet should remain so ! — yes, most truly should I 
For it developes chaste ambition's bud,- 
Raises the wish— cold word ! — the strong desire !!! 
In the young ardent heart, e'er to aspire 
To such a splendid, such a just reward; 
Nor stops the keenly touch'd, vibrating chord, 
Until the long'd-for consummation's won, 
And run the noble race, so well begun. 

All this is surely true : — But descending 
From soaring flight poetic, — propending 
To the unseemly altitudes of which, 
I hope you do not think I've too much itch ; 
I will just say, A Naval Captain's post. 
Should ever of all good things have to boast i 

f2 



68 

As rank and power, accompanied by riches^ 
Including sundry chances, then the hitch isy 
Such a good post must, I think, be desir'd ; 
All hearts must be with anxious hopes inspir'd,^^ 
A place thus full of worth to try to gairiy 
And keep k snugly, when they once attain. 

I do in no sense mean, the Captain's share 
Of Prize-money should have a common fare ; 
For their ozcn good alone, it should be us*d : 
Surely this principle can't be abusM ? 

Tho' all expect the keenly sought-for Prize, 
Yet they're a /ez^) alone monopolize; 
They're fickle fortune's favourites, I ween ; 
But 'tis a sadly tantalizing scene 
To far the mosty who have for all their pains, 
^* Wish joy, and expectations,'^ empty gains ! 

Now from the lucky Captain's heavy sack, 
Mind altho' I we move forward, not try back*, 
As at a game wherein they make some rules 
Before the issue, they'd be silly fools 
To quarrel 'bout them after; for the game 
Must to all parties be of course the same. 

Well, this premis'd, we from the dollars take 
What would assist the Fund, which kind Lords make, 



* To " try back,'* is •fUn applied at Sea, as, " search, or g« 
liack." 



I 



And gen'rous Commoners : — Prize-money dole 
Would thus be far more equal to the whole. 
And inasmuch as worth is added one way, 
How could it take much from the other part, pray? 

Howe'er, to heads far wiser than ray own 
Indeed I am to bow at all times prone,-^ 
A change oft is cause for disapprobation, 
'Tis not improvement, but dire innovation* !!! 



* The Author trusts there need no apology for expatiating on this 
interesting subject through the medium of a note. — Blending those 
distinctions, so necessary to be observed when duty calls, by social 
meetings at other times, forms the link which attaches men to their 
professions and their kind : but the means by which this is effected 
in the Navy, must be allowed to press hard upon Officers who 
command Ships : to prevent this, without either taking away the 
advantages they possess (so great an incentive to their acquirement), 
or burthening the country, at a time like the present, by a demand 
of any extent on its purse, becomes therefore a consideration of 
much moment. By an appropriation of Prize-money, (the exact 
amount to be determined on deliberation,) a Fund could be esta- 
blished, affording a certain, general, and sufficient increase of in- 
come, without so materially decreasing the share of Prize-money, 
(which, be it kept in mind, to the ivhole is a most precarious chance,) 
as to render it not worth caring about: — for instance, if an indivi- 
dual's share of a capture be worth 10,000/. ; after such a regulation, 
suppose 2,000/. of it be given up to the Fund, he would then have, 
besides his certain increase of income, 8,000Z. Prize-money; and 
when he set out too, he had a positive increase of Pay, and only a 
clmnce of this Prize-money I — The question thus is, Whether it be 
better to have Additional Pay secured, and the same chance as 
before of a handsome share of Prize-money? — or, the present pres- 
slire, and but an equal chance of rather a larger share of Prize- 
money ? — The Fund is, of course, only applicable to Captains in 



70 

There's always something aboard Ship to do,- 
'Tis well it is so for the restless Crew ; 
As, were all hands not constantly employ'd, 
Of the same service would they soon be cloy'd, 
Brood in dull idleness on other scenes, 
And, to divert them, practise fatal means : 
Such as the vice, above all others curst ! 
On shore,— at Sea, — wherever, — still the worst,- 



actual command of Ships. It, at the outset, might require assistance 
from Parliament, but not afterwards probably.'— While on the sub- 
ject, the Author begs to add, that it would be a happy circumstance 
for Sailors, it a small apportionment of their Pay, or Prize-money, 
or both, should be made, (bearing some resemblance to Clubs on 
shore,) to estdolish a Fund, in addition to Greenwich, Chest of 
Chatham, &c. &c., for the purpose of saving themselves, when. 
wounded or otherwise disabled in the Service, (including b , old age 
and broken constitutions,) from the shameful state of beggary many 
are now reduced to : — How much more desirable would be theService ! 
what a stinmlant to exertion! what little cause to dread the loss of 
a limb ! when thus a competency is secured. It is not limited ser- 
vice a man cares about, it is poverty I, when disabled ! — What a 
trifling deduction too will effect this, which otherwise might be 
thrown away ; for none but men, who shall be deemed lit 
objects by a Board to quit the Service, should be admitted to the 
benefit; and, as such must be old, invalid, or wounded, longe- 
vity is not to be presumed. Greenwich full, the rest should have 
their pe&sions paid them wherever they please. Might not many 
Sailors unfit for sea, be made useful in Dock-yards and other de- 
partments under Government? Much of this is applicable to the 
Marine Corps : but when and how such regulations should take 
place, the Author will not pretend to state, satisfying himself with 
committing the above general outline to the sense of the Navy, 
and those interested in its welfare. 



71 

Dread Gambling ! fertile source of ev'ry crime ! 

O ! could I but empow'r my feeble rhyme 

To give conviction to the hapless youth. 

As my verse tells him all the fatal truth ; 

With what keen ardour would my anxious pen 

Expose to view the wretched fate of men, 

(And women too,) alas ! who madly try 

Such deadly means the fleeting smiles to buy 

Of fickle fortune ; but much abler hands 

Alone can hope to break delusion's bands. 

I will but sketch, with merely '' pride of fact,'' 

A picture of the agonizing pact 

They sign, whom letch of gambling wildly sways, 

Until the fiend their very soul betrays !!! 

Gaming gives birth to all the passions dire^ 
Steels the young heart, and sets the brain on fire ; 
" Ruin'd past hope !" — a climax soon ensues, 
And in his own heart's blood the wretch his hand imbrues !!! 
Or turns a Robber ! forges ! murders too ! 
No crime so vile but desperate he'll do ! 
Till the slow arm of justice — slow, but sure, 
Applies tlie dreadfully tremendous cure : 
Death ! is the fearful remedy applied, — 
Death ! stops the evil, in terrific pride, — 
In all the pomp of studied preparation, 
And the worse horrors of the mind's creation !!l 



n 

What*s in reserve? Yi^Iiat punishment atiendtj 
The haiden'd wretch who greatly Heav-n offends ! 

I could write on, but, fearful I may tire, 
And languor, -stead of glorious thoughts, inspire^ 
Will briefly say, and to the heart appeal ; 
How will th' ennobled youth of fortune feel ? 
Or any youth— tho^ rank and wealth should bq 
A double motive ever to agree 
With hoDour-s never-fading, godlike rules. 
Leaving the vile reverse to vicious tools ?— 
How will that youth, who haply yet has led 
A life of heav'nly peace I whose downy bed 
No piercing thorns of conscience yet invade. 
No startling dreams in damning truth array'd | 
Brought up in affluence, content, and ease. 
Inheriting still more than eyen these ; 
Fond Parents' love, and their respected name^ 
Sacred be ever such proud grateful fame ! 
Oft- is misguided youth at last reclaim'd. 
When with a tear the rever'd Parent 's nam'd 
By an old friend ; whose fond inapressive trace 
Of worth /emember'd, glows throughout his face. 

Well, say! when all things join a youth to raisq 
To happiness when ev'ry one must praise. 
How will he feel ? if, in a fatal hour, 
He loses peace of mind and his late splendid dow'r I 



7S 

If he don't tempt that soul-nppaHinor fate. 
Which the wise say, a certain future state 
Entails on such as their own ills create ! 
If short of this, still will he tortur'd feel 
The mind's dr^ad anguish o'er him sick'ning steal. 
Fairn from the world's esteem, no more upheld 
By honour's voice, by his own conscience fell'd ! 
In curs'd dependence must he crawl along, 
And meanly abject, court the unpitying throng !!! 

Tho' careful discipline preserv'd on board, 
A pow'rful check must ever here afford ; 
Yet if the restless mind be not employ 'd. 
If you unhappily admit a void. 
Dissatisfaction certainly you'll find, 
Begetting acts of far more serious kind, 
As mutiny ! most mur'drous damned ill !!! — ■ 
Which with its rankest poison once did fill 
The gen'rous minds of Britain's Naval Sons, 
And made them madly point their deadly guns 
Against the vitals of their parent isle ! 

What fatal cause ! would thus such men beguile ? 
O, 'twas a fatal ! fatal cause indeed ! 
A cause which has made scafiblds reeking bleed 
With heaps of headless victims. — Look to f'rance ! 
Look to their infuriate hellish dance. 



74 

Round hearts and heads hy gory pikes transfix'dj 
With trunks expos'd on lamp-ir'ns, intermix'd ! 
Hark to the widow's piercing ! phrenzied shrieks ! 
While vainly she her murder 'd husband seeks ; — 
Hark to the aged parent's anguish'd groan I 
When they perceive, in fragments widely strown. 
The mangled corse of the late darling child I — 
Or in distracting accents, faint and wild I 
Listen unto the frantic, tortur'd maid ; 
She calls her love, in death's long sleep too laid. 

Seek it in Britain I where a fiend-like few. 
Would o'er her bosom such dread horrors strew. 

Ha ! — but the cause !— we need but to reflect 
When mem'ry brings the horrible effect ! 
But whence deriv'd ? — how came the bloody stain ? 
Whence sprung these crimes, of all mankind the bane ? 
From that dire cause I — from all things good a schishi t 
Denoted vile, thrice vile! Jacobinism !!? 
Subtle and deep it work'd its ireful way, 
And led not Tars alone, — but the whole world astray ! 

No wonder then, our Naval glory died, 
That humbled was our Country's loyal pride. 
When the " foul fiend " did at our helm preside! 

But tho' the ill had struck, alas! the root. 
Yet did the tree soon more luxuriant shoot ; — 



! 



75 

From darkness soon arose th' indignant Tar, 

And the foul blot eras'd by matchless deeds of war!!! 

Ne'er may again our brilliant Naval page 
Be sullied with such worse than murd'rous rage! 
— Yet tho' this crime may not again be found, 
Still many bad propensities abound. 
Whene'er much idle time on board is giv'n. 
Sailors are then, often to mischief driv'n ; 
Then have they baneful leisure to attend, 
Th' insidious wretch, in semblance of a friend, 
France's vile agent — Faction's cursed tool, 
Then makes the unsuspicious Tar his fool; 
-Then is the open Seaman led astray, 
And made, alas ! a " needy villain's prey." 

While all on board, both Officers and Crew, 
Have some employment, have enough to do. 
Without exhausting : — well! in such a case 
You will, depend on 't ! bless'd contentment trace ! 

The Captain, of this circumstance aware, 
Makes it his ne'er neglected, anxious care. 
To see that all his Frigate's happy crew 
Have of Ship's duty — just enough to do ; 
And be it but correctly, smartly done, 
That then, blithe glee shall have its gladsome run. 

The Duties now engross the willing Tar, 
And first are practis'd such as fit for war: 



76 

A general exercise is forthwith order'd, 
Such as on actual contention border'd *. 

Scarce said — when hark ! the thun*dring drum repeats 
This battle's ^larum by its pause-fmught beats : 
Quickly all hands are at their station'd posts , 
Wishing, with vehemence, 'twere but the hosts 
Of France and Spain 

That would now tempt their certain fate again. 
The careful Gunners, with a proper dread 
Of coming danger to their powder, spread 
And hang forthwith the weli-clos'd hammock's screen, 
Fix'd tightly up the diff 'rent Decks between ; 
And around ev'ry hatch, with but * hole 
T' admit the cartridge to its destin'd goal +: 
The guarded Salt-box f , near each Cannon plac*d 
Until the gaping Cannon's self is grac'd ; 



* The very first possible opportunity, after leaving port, a Crew 
is exercised at great guns and small arms, manosuvering as in action, 
&c. &c. ; as, even in an hour after you quit harbour, you may meet 
the enemy. The hurry of refitting, seldom (at least in a small Ship) 
allows time for exercising in harbour. 

f These " Screens" are formed of hammocks sewn together, an4 
nailed close round the Hatchways (openings in the dec« s by which 
you get from one to the otheiO, to prevent any sparks from the 
guns or matches getting down them, and so communicating with 
the Magazme. 

X The " Salt-box" is a wooden case to hold a few cartridges ; one 
for every two guns : these little portable m.agazines being always re- 
plenished by the Povkder-mopkeys, prevents the delay that would 



77 

Our Powder-monkeys, otherwise Ship-boys, 

Smartly attend to fill these naval Toys, 

Which are, I further may as well remark, 

Covered securely from the dangVoiis spark. 

Then there are others stationed at the gun, 

Who quickly to the Powder-monkeys run, 

Keep in their bosoms safe the fateful charge, 

Until ignition spreads dire fate at large ! 

When with fresh pow'r is death's dark engine plied, 

Again the Cartridge they in bosoms hide. 

But before this, the ready active Crew, 

Must all the motions steadily go thro'. 

Accomplish'd once ! then are they gladly tried 

To fire as quick as thought the dread broadside : — ■ 

But still, 'tis done with most unerring aim, 

The British Seaman's never failing fame ! 

For by no means must they omit to point 

" True to the object," 'fore a single joint 

Is stirr'd towards the ready-lighted match. 

Or 'fore the surer trigger's line they snatch *. 



arise, if men hsd to go from the Guns to the main depot of Powder, 
which is quite in the bottom of the Ship, and difficult of access; 
theie cases being therefore kept filled by the boys, a man from each 
gun has only to run to one of them, take out a cartridge, keep it 
«afe from sparks in his shirt-bosom, and fly back to the gun. 

♦ All Cannon on board our Men-of-War are fitted with locks, 
which are fired by a long liie attached to the trigger : these are 



78 

All point, as order'd, now before the beam *, 
Abaft, abreast, as it most fit may seem ; 
Sometimes (as now) an empty good-siz'd cask 
They try to hit ; a willing pleasant task ! 
And to increase their present emulation, 
Our Captain promises, at mid-day ration, 
To give some grog to him who fires the shot, 
Which hits or is the nearest to the spot. 

Well ! having fir'd with cartridge a few rounds, 
Hark ! the emphatic, long'd-for cheering sounds 
Forth from the brazen speaking-trumpet break, 
Soon as the Chief doth the loud order make t ; 
*' Sailors ! with single shot you now may load ! " 
The rush of blood ! the flash of eyes ! forebode. 
How quick and glorious must a contest end. 
Would but our lucky stars a Frenchman send, 
Let us on him, not casks, our wrath expend. 



first used ; but as they must become injured by long firmg, a match 
is lit, ready to replace them ; consequently the men are exercised 
in the use of both. Firing the cannon with ball at a cask, and mus- 
ketry at a target, is eminently useful on first going out ; and now 
and then afterwards. 

* The " Beam" of a Ship is the center, the main beam being 
there placed ; therefore men are often ordered to point for that part 
of an opponent; or before or abaft (already explained) their own 
beam. 

f In action, blowing weather, or, generally, when orders are'.vished 
to be delivered very distinctly, a Commanding Officer makes use of 
a Trumpet of brass, or tin japanned. 



79 

However, now the present tamer fun. 
Is bj our lads about to be begun ; 
The watchful Captain must himself be there. 
To see that not a shot I^e spent in air. 
Upon the gun-deck 'tis, conceive, I mean, 
Moving with fix'd regard the guns between, 
Inspecting ev'ry one in proper turn ; 
Seeing that all the crew his maxims learn, 
And practise well,--that, should the haughty foe 
A rival hostile vessel chance to show, 
Her gaudy colours soon might be laid low, 

Ben Brace, (of whom further account anon) 
Was quartered " Captain of the foremost gun," 
To whom befel the prior lot to fire ; — 
All watch with eagerness and scarce respire ! 
He marks th' unsteady butt, with seaman's eyes, 
And judges from the fall when it must rise; 
His Ship too, he well knows, when in the trough^ 
Must again mount the wave, come to, fall off. 

This art, the true-bred Seamen only know, 
In this respect e'en Engineers must bow ; 
The French Artillerist, with science fraught. 
Levels his gun, as when on forts he ought, 
Greatly surpris'd ! he finds the bullet light 
Outvof the range had been intended quite ; 



80 

The reason simply this, in truth 'tis plain !-- 

*' No Bastions float upon the stormy main.'^ 

Now, either this vast ^^onder must take place^ 

Or they must emulate a Naval Race ; 

Inur'ti from youth, for years, to Ships and Guns 

Like our proud race^ our Neptune^s real Sons*!!! 

Till such a tim.e, my honest country folkj 

Fear not the sanguinary foe can poke 

With pike your hide ; — I'm not, believe *t, in joke I 

Well!— having watcli'd intent^ — tho* scarcely long", 
Hark to the flying bullet's whizzing song— 
Hissj hiss ! smack, smack ! it speeds — but erring strikes, 
Yet brushing close ! Well, now for smart Tom Sykess 
This fellow was quite ready for th' occasiouy 
Having regarded well Ben's elevation. 
And thus, of course, corrected to some tune : 
(The first shot ever is but a bad boon:) 
Quickly his gun he fires — and O, poor Cask t 
Didst thou in length even a yard more bask 



* X ong experience alone will enable a man to judge correctly, 
■ft-hen objects in the trough of a sea will rise to'the summit, and to, 
what is called '' humour the motion of a Ship." — ^The Author has 
more than once seen the efforts of the most scientific French officers 
(engineers) rendered abortive, owing to their being unable to cal- 
culate the '^ coming to," and '' falling off;'* in short, the motion ; 
when an unlettered English Seaman has made eve.y one of his shots 
take effect. — Years at sea can alone give this knowledge ! 



81 

On swelling, sunny waves thy vain cateet 
Would have been stopp'd in toto, troth I fear j 
But thy rotund circumference, so small, 
Will, I would wager, puzzle, aye, them alL 

Eagerl}^ they essay (the whole I mean), 
But angry, baffled Ben is still most keen ; 
He will be Jirst at all things, at least tries:— 
And often 'tis when lady Fortune spies 
Such bold, determin'd suitors in her train, 
Who thus intently strive her smiles to gain, 
From just rewardings she will not abstain * 

Ben was, in fact, so resolute a Tar, 
That nothing could his manful strivings mar, 
But Death !-— all-pow*rful Death's ! resistless dart !*-^ 
Death who will master, e'en the boldest heart 



fH 



Again 'tis come about his turn to fire ; 
Again we watch, and scarcely dare respire : 
Dame Fortune had however pass'd her word,— 
So that when Brace's singing gun wa« heardj 
A wreck of splinters ! and a gen'ral shout ! 
Gives him the sought-for prize, without all doubto 

Thus to an end I've brought part of my story, 
To honest Ben's supremest pride and glory !^- 
Yet pray forbear the Critic's tort 'ring laugh ; 
Of this same part I have but told you half: 

G 



82 

For some time, before firing the broadside, 
A great improvement was explain'd and tried. 

However clever be a Naval Chief, 
Yet may he often from anotlier's leaf 
Take many things, — as in the Sea Profession, 
Elixir Vitas in a man's possession, 
And he who has the nostrum passing clever, 
Still may he something learn ! for aye and ever * f 
So far from shame, then, 'tis a noble trait, 
Whenever those in powVsLve heard to say, 
'' There is indeed, sir, reason in your notion ; 
" Come, let us try to give th' idea motion." 
Thus our smart Captain, wisely, quickly caught 
His First Lieutenant's well-digested thought. 

* Naval Life embraces such immensity!, that something is ever to 
be discovered. — ^The utmost confines of the globe are explored,— 
and we are absolutely dependent on the elements and science for 
existence. — What a scope ! — Surely then ! until a man knows every 
speck upon our planet, — is master of every science, — and can ac- 
count for and restrain the elements;— until, in short, an inhabitant 
of this world is super-human, let him not (his rank what it may) 
be impenetrable to the remarks of others, or think it derogatory, 

not to be supposed to know " every thing !" And here let it be 

asked, whether, in a Profession comprising such a variety of service, 
it is not indispensably required of those in power, (especially when 
the present crisis is considered,) ** to assimilate talents to duties?" 
It is scarcely possible for one man to possess equal knowledge in 
every branch of his profession ; common sense, then, points out, that 
he can act to most advaiitage where he is most conversant ; and by 
so doing, does he not best benefit his Country ? 



83 

For this First Officer of ours combin'dj 

With cleverness, a busy, thinking mind ; 

Ever intent upon his own profession, 

A certain source of merited progression, — 

Advancement always : as our Navy's pride 

Is that not merely those to rank allied, 

But all, who trul^ merit, swell the list 

(Nor speak I falsely, while I so insist) 

Of bright Promotion, that is, mind me ! 77107^6^ 

Than Naval Service, of aught othei' shore*. 



* The Author believes this will be acquiesced in by every one 
who reflects a little: — Promotion is by no means monopohzed in the 
Navy by men of high connexions ; — there are very few such, com- 
paratively speaking, and every one deserves the situation he holds, 
through merit. As the actions of these Noblemen are publicly 
known, it cannot be thought indelicate bringing them forward iiu 
this manner. The fact is, there is scarcely an Officer who has not 
risen through his own exertions. The mass of the Navy is com- 
posed of men, whose parents had little or no interest with those in 
power; they must consequently have advanced themselves, and 
generally in this way: — they recommend themselves to Captains by 
serving zealously under them, and thus acquire patronage, ever car- 
rying weight with it. The road to promotion is indeed open to all, 
even the prest Cabin-boy of a Merchant-man ; witness Cook, and 
others of present eminence : — and such men reaching the goal 
would oftener happen, had but Foremast-men (all but Officers and 
Marines on board Ships of War so termed) sufficient learning to fill 
higher stations. In what other Service is this carried to such an ex- 
tent ? — Not in France surely. — Hank can only be desirable when 
obtained honourably, and secured on a firm basis, as in this Country; 
but certainly not in France; witness the oceans of blood waded 
through to obtain posts^ which have been scarcely filled, when a new 



84 

Our First Lieutenant being such a mafi, 
Thus to reflection prone, hit on this plan. 



set came ; and so on to the end of the chapter, that is, the present 
end. But why more secure than the others I The time will come !. 
and probably not many years distant, when this Alexander ! will die, 
and when his men of blood will either act as Alexander did, or be 
destroyed by men using the same means to supplant them, aS they 
did to supplant others: — for consummate, unprincipled Generals, and 
a restless, ferocious Soldiery, by whom alone France is now governed, 
"will hardly allow^ themselves to be swayed by a Woman !, a Child !, 
a Monk !, or any one, but the superior Warrior! — And if (as reason* 
able to suppose) on the demise of Bonaparte, talents should be on 
a par, may not the variance of Chiefs in France, be as that of St. 
Domingo! — Unkss it should so happen, (nothing certainly is im- 
possible,) that rank in France should have some better guarantee 
than the breath of a Despot, a splendid Ravager! but not immor- 
tal!!! — In spite of those ebullitions of Party, and assaults of Fac* 
tion, consequent to iijree form of Government like ours ; — yet, ho# 
infinitely preferable it is, in the long-run, to the phrenzied and 
Afeeting reign of military splendour ! What are these mighty esta- 
blishments, so vaunted in France, as at the c<95^ of Government ?, but 
the Consolidation of Usurpation, from the Plunder of Nations /— . 
What are the victories ? ; but scenes of horrid carnage, at theinstiga' 
tion of ambition; — not to secure PeacCy hut to sow the seeds of Wars 
on IFars ! — What practicable check is there upon the absolute do- 
minion of one 7nan ?, who may be a Titus !, but also may be a Nero !!f 
—And what is to hinder every necessary reform being eflfected ia 
our own Constitution ?, if we will but first join heart and hand to 
Heather the storm (which is too violent to last long), and then with 
energy and industry tepair damages. — If, instead, we squabble, to 
iscertaiii whether the helm of State be or' be not conducted with 
ctitical nicety, and so disregard our look-out ! ; it is a miserable 
Chance, but that we shall be dashed against those deadly rocks, that 
even the worst Helmsman of them all, had he been allowed to at- 
tetld to them, could have guarded us against !! ! — One wdrd more: 
tf an atom of truth is contained in the assertion, that ^' Merit meet« 



k 



83 

Judging that minds well stor'd, enrich'd by science, 

With Wisdom e'er must have a close alliance ; — 

Superior Wisdom ! — such the fact is ! 

To those who only merely practise ; 

Seeing things are soj 

But whi/^ don't know. — 

On such a solid principle he thought. 

That e'en a thorough Seaman might be taught 

A surer way of levelling his gun. 

And less regard the ever wayward con. 

When distance meets the eye's just observation 
(A scientific Seaman's), elevation 
Is then with ease determin'd ; — to convey 
This useful knowledge the exactest way 
To ev'ry one, by words, is slow, not sure : — 
The method therefore taken to procure 
A right effect ; each Quoin is mark'd with care 
(While the long gun is levell'd nicely fair) 
Into some portions of exact degrees, — 
As many of them as indeed you please, 
Tho' four are found to be enough of these. 



with as great encouragement in the Navy, as perhaps any human 
Establishment will admit of;" — if any glory is allowed our arms, by 
Land as well as Sea ; — and if the high rank to which Britain is raised 
among Nations, be not entirely overlooked ; surely a fair inference 
?nay be deduced, that this Country employs Men of Talents,—- and 
legitimate talents too, to the fyU as much as any other known. 



86 

It must be done on a most even keel,— 
In tranquil harbour best, when Ships don't reel. 

The use is this :— before we vent our rage, 
(We cannot always at yard-arms engage,) 
The Captain's clear discriminating eye 
Enables him the distance to descry ; 
Therefore he can with due precision state, 
To what degree 'tis fit we elevate : — 
Suppose now, his correctly scanning sight 
Gives '^ two degrees," as (at least) nearest right ; — 
Then he cries, " Men ! before your shot you deal, 
^' Quoins number two ! fire on an even keel ; 
" Mind not the roll, regard alone the wheel*.'' 

Th- experiment is with attention made ; 
'' Let all the Quoins be mark'd," the Captain said.— = 
The gallant band of Boarders swiftly fly, 
When the Chief would their dashing spirit try. 
With naked cutlass, tomahawk, and pike 
Completely arm'd, fully prepar'd to strike 



* A *' Quoin" is a wedge, used to elevate or depress a piece of 
ordnance. This method of raarkiag them is to reduce the uncer- 
tainty of elevation, by giving the men a certain rule, instead of 
leaving it to their discretion ; as, when the Quoin is put in as or- 
dered, they have only to fire, when the Ship is upright, that is, in 
regard to elevation ; the pointing must be according to the Ship'? 
« coming to," and " falling off," as usual— The Author under- 
stands this was first practised by Sir Robert Barlow. 



87 

The fatal stroke, to overwhelming rush 
On hostile decks, the enemy to crusli ! * 

Sometimes in fight, to alter a Ship's route, 
Our Sail-trimmers are sent from Guns about ; 
Alert ! yet steady ! they their parts sustain, 
Nor fail, tho' Decks are strown with helpmates slain t. 

Now the cool Firemen speedily prepare 
Their leathern buckets, fiU'd with eager care, 
And the Ship's Hull and Sails, with water drench, 
The dreadfully devouring flames to quench:}:. 

het me not here forget that useful class, 
Whom even Tars, in valour don't surpass : — 
No dirty compliment to pay, I mean, 
When speaking thus of the good Coeps Marine ! 
Incorporated so they truly are, 
In thought and action, with the daring Tar, 
That, I declare 4ty^h en I ever drew 
A glowing picture of the gallant Crew, 
To also speak of them was my intention : 
Nor should I now indeed the subject mention, 

• A certain number of active men are selected from a Crew, 
to either board, or repel Boarders. 

t " Sail-trimmers" are those appointed in action to quit the Guns, 
to work the Ship. 

% In case of fire, during battle, certain of the Crew immediately 
fly to their buckets (of leather, with ropes affixed, and always at 
feand), fill them, and endeavour to extinguish it. 



88 

Was I not fearful, some might falsely think, 
At their establish'd worth I fain would wink. 

Most are upon the Quarter-deck employed, 
Either at great or small Guns — nobly buoy'd 
With the same thoughts, which ever sway the Tar, 
Namely ! '^' to make a fierce determin'd war *.'■ 

Well ! having practised sometime as above. 
We all begin to feel, for Cupboard, love. 
The whole forenoon being thus near expended. 
To clear the Decks up, our exertions tended ; 
Secure again the Guns, take down the Screen, 
Swab round ^^ and shut the Powder-magazine. 

All things at length ship-shape, in proper trim. 
The Drummer moves a not unwilling limb, 
Around the Deck, beating the kind retreat, 
A prelude to a very diff'rent feat; 



* It would be superfluous to expatiate on the usefulness aftd br?ir^ 
very of this Corps, who have distinguished themselves as well on 
land as water : — when the Navy is mentioned, the Marines must 
always be Included. They assist the Seamen, to the best of their abi- 
lities, in every thing but going aloft, or in boats. The arms, dress, 
and accoutrements, are those of a Soldier, which they are to. all in- 
tents and purposes on shore. — All men on board must of course ^c- 
comm.odate themselves to the nature of the Element and Service* 

•f- A " Swab" is a number of rope-yarns, about a fathom in 
length, tied in the mid lie, in such a manner as to allow the ends to 
meet, and affording a handle where middled ; by this it is mopped 
frojji side to side by a man, and absorbs the w«t. 



89 

Videlicet, to make refreshing cheer^ 

And wasli it down with our la^t day's small-beer. 

To finish with one thing before another, 
At least, ill hopes, that I may save you bother, 
I but in this place tell you, that as soon 
As Watches gave the time, approaching noon, 
The careful Master, and perhaps a Mate, 
With quadrants * did observe, that they might state, 
Whenever at Meridian is the Sun, 
(A duty which the Master ne'er can shun,) 
As then, our day's works must be duely done, 
To shew the course correct the Ship has run ; 
And also distance from the nearest land. 
Invariably it is the Chief's command, 
That to this all the Officers attend : 
Tho' urgent circumstances must defend 
The non-performance of this proper rule 
At times ; t' exemplify, " when war's fierce school 
^^ Our minds should sway ! other things will keep cool 
Another use of mid^day observation, 
Is to denote the time for Dinner- ration. 

Now then, suppose this famous time is come, 
And that you hear the clatter and the hum 



* A ^* Quadrant*' is m instrument by which the altitude of the 
Sun, &c. is takcw. 



J 



90 

Of hungry mortals, before dinner prog 
Is serv'd, — but, as already said, not grog. 

Whether we write, or talk, — a prohibition 
Ever to shun that thrice-dull! repetition, 
Is, I should think, well worth its weight in gold : 
How stupid is a thing, when often told ! 
Therefore to please, or so I hope, your ear, 
Kind, patient Reader! nothing shall appear, 
IVe told you once before : — so suppose dinners 
Are, thro' the Cruise, for us poor hungry sinners—* 
{Save when I say — " not so ;") just as the sun 
Has pass'd his Zenith, and makes downward rum 

At this hour 'tis, the Midshipmen and Crew 
Try what at eating duty they can do. 
Lieutenants, when at Sea too, dine at One; 
While Dinner always is at Two begun 
In the great Cabin ; in which place tlie Chief 
Must entertain a few, but oft' with grief; 
The wherefore has been told, you know, before, 
Therefore upon this head, of course, no more. 
You may remember when it is we breakfast ; 
When Four arrives, there is another repast ; 
And the Supper, I must request you'll mind, 
Is made when leisure time below they find. 

An hour is now elaps'd ! — the dinner's done I 
Suppose now that again on tlcck 's begun 



91 

The Watcli'S duty : — some to knot or plat 

The useful Sijinet *, and as useful Mat : 

Others must splice +, make Wads :}:, and Oajkum pick | ; 

This last should be by convalescent sick, 

Whenever such on board the Ship there are : 

At present, each Marine and hearty Tar 

Has nothing of this '^ doleful sort" to mar.— - 

Sailmakers either mend, or make the Sail, 

To better spread the Yard, and catch the gale. 

It should be e'er a First Lieutenant*s aim, 
Should be his pride, — as adding to the fame 
Of his own Barky l|, that the Sails be cut 
In neatest, fittest fashion ; — that when put. 
Once for a full due on the Yards, they look 
So, as tl|at, copying from such a book, 



* " Sinnet'^ is a long narrow plat of the yarns of rope ; and 
" Mat," (for the yards to prevent chaffing,) a broad plat of twisted 
yams, called " Foxes.** 

f " Splicing," is joining two ropes togetl^er, by a peculiar man- 
aer of intertwining their ends. 

+ tt Wads' » are ends of cordage and yarns, twisted up hard, and 
jnade to fit the calibr^ of guns ; they are put between the cartridge 
and shot, sometimes after the latter also. 

§ *' Oakum'* is produced by picking out rope-yarns; it is used 
in filling the Ship's seams, called " caulking." As evpry person on 
board ship must contribute something to the general Service (what 
is possible), convalescents are set to this, it being very light work. 

jl •' Barky" is a. familiar way of caUi^g one's Ship. 



92 

Others be anxious : — 'tis a heart-felt pleasure ! 
When people borrow from your plans a measure. 

A pattern Ship !!! — ^O ! 'tis a glorious theme ; — 
So much so doth it to our own Crew seem. 
That they will strive, 
As I'm alive. 

As tho' their own existence was at stake, 
Sooner than let another from them take 
This cherish'd appellation e'er away : — 
Such is a true " Esprit du Corps I" 1 Liy. — 

Our Captain, as you may with ease suppose, 
T' encourage such a noble spirit chose. 
His well-instructed, comprehensive mind 
Could perfectly the remote causes find. 
Which influence human passions ; knew the art, 
Like our great Nelson I, spirit to impart 
Even unto a heavy, languid Crew. — 
'Tis, I believe, receiv'd a maxim true, 
That e'en the veriest coward v/ould be brave. 
Did he revolt at shame! — m.ore than the grave !!f 

Our Seamen hardly ever need be driven 
(From education — reasons before given) 
To join in acts of hardihood ! and daring ! 
But there are sundry feats, beyond comparing !, 
Which, we have found, our heroic Sailors do. 
When a ^^ Great Name!" is stamp'd upon a Crew. 



93 

This! to acquire, all British Seamen sigh ; 
This! to keep free from stain, they'll nobly die !!! — 
To name the cause, from whence this feeling came, 
— " 'Twas Annihilation, dreaded less than Shame ! " 

But it is not enough to well attend 
To bravely fighting Ships, and to defend ; 
To make thera and their maiily Crews be seen 
Smartest at all things, ever neat and clean ; — 
*' Strictest CEconomy !" should be enjoin'd, 
Never to be by foolish whim ! purloin'd : 
For cutting, carving (alias destroying), 
Without sufficient reason, is but boying. 
Suit e'er the action to the needful time ; 
Duely appropriate to the present clime 
Be all things dressed ; with, kept in a reserre^ 
Whatever may th' occasion rightly serve. 
Should you, as might, be suddenly detach'd ; 
(For British Captains ought not e'er be catch 'd 
Unfit to act :) should orders be unfurl'd^ 
To go— aye ! even almost round the world * ! 



* Officers can of course have but such materials as are allowed 
by Government ; the only thing is, " to make the most of them,'* 
and be as ready, as foresight and oeconomy will admit, for every 
service; — like Lord Nelson ! (when a Captain), who, some Ad- 
fniral said, " never made difficulties, or required long instructions, 
^* but was always ready and equal for every thing." 



9* 

How long th' attentive Merchant's canvass lasts i 
The simple reasons these : — before he casts 
Th' expensive Sail, the middle stitch * is trac'd 
Between the starting seams ; — and it is grac'd 
With a fresh roping, wheresoever there*s need ;— 
Fresh canvass bands, not new, are plac'd with speed, 
To strengthen Sails, when the old worn ones ragt ; 
Fresh marling is applied whene'er it jag J ; 
And soon as that the heavy flapping Sail 
Begins, by constant wear and tear, to fail. 
Where it may rub against the working Yard, 
To mend it strongly, they will ne'er retard : 
Nor in preventing mildew by good air. 
Shifting them too, they sometimes make their care, 
And by these means they last so long, we stare ! 

'Twould be a gross injustice, did I say 
That Officers in Men-of- War ne'er pay 



* The diiferent cloths of canvass in a Sail, are joined by " two 
" rows of stitches," forming a pretty broad seam ; the threads wear 
before the Sail : when therefore this begins, to trace a new third stitch 
between the two old ones, strengthens very much. 

f Where the Reefs are, " Bands" are placed to strengthen; 
also lower down. To mend old canvass w ith new, is the sure way 
to make it tear the more. 

X A Rope is stitched all round the edge of Sails, to prevent their 
so soon wearing out, — to strengthen. In parts most exposed to fric- 
tion, this is again covered whh a smaller stuif; the manner by which 
it is effected, is called *' Marling*" 



95 

To strict CEconomy a right attention^ 
'Tis, I assure you, far from ray intention. 

What, by th' above, I would infer, and saj, 
Is — that they do, — but that still more they may. — 

When we consider all the great expence, 
That is entaird on Maritime defence ; 
How seriously precarious is the cost ; — 
How very subject Ships are to be lost ; 
Surely! there is no fault, if a man dare, 
Nay ! 'tis in fact not any more than fair. 
When things are of a most immense concern. 
With anxious, great solicitude to burn. — 
Let them be executed, however well, 
Yet you may harp upon' t, and tell !, and tell ! 
Now I conjure ! take pains, intently try ; 
For if you do not, they will cry, O ! fie; 
Ne'er let the spiteful crowd your faults espy* 

Besides attending Sails, it should be sought 
To make of cordage too, so dearly bought ! , 
As much as possibly our efforts can : 
It is (with proper caution) a good plan, 
Oft practis'd, and appro v'd, that ropes unlaid 
(Old ones, I mean) may almost new be made. 
From oakum pick'd — the yarn again you twist. 
Which made in ropes, will well enough resist 



96 

A proper forcej-^as new^ they're not so strofig ; 
Of course such properties can ne'er be lon^^. 

One thing, I must observe, cannot be meant,— 
No one, I trust, will credit such intent t 
1 would not have a Man-of- War kept bare, 
Nor have such rotten sails, a pufF! may tear ; 
Of course all must the stupid thought despise, 
It were to be, '^ pounds foolish, penny wise." 

Of one remark, it strikes me that J must 
Remind you here, from sanguine hope and trust, 
It may explain the real motive why 
So oft is us'd, the egotising /; 
'Tis not, that wisdom in myself I see ; 
I but relate those things, in which agre© 
Many great Masters of our Naval School, 
Who teach ! according as I cite their rule. 

As thus described, the fore and after-noon 
Must to Ship*s duty be a constant boon ; 
But it is usual, when the hour is Four, 
To clear and sweep the Decks, and work no more. 

Grog is then serv'd, — that is, if Grog there be ; 
There is some beer, however ; — some drink tea ; 
Some eat their cheese, and with it, crack a biscuit) 
And afterwards may play at games, or frisk it. 

No thing essential ordered to be done, 
It is the turn to have some blithsome fun f 



97 

All sease of their late labour quickly killing— 
You know ! I said, our Chief for this, was willing- 
Therefore the rolling drum to mischief beats, — 
So it is term'd ! but ne'ertheless the feats, 
Are not such as can Discipline alarm, 
The Ship endanger, or the Service karm. 

Hail, after duty, pleasing Leisure ! 
Thou yieldest us in truth great pleasure ; 
When once our day's work is well done, 
In faith, sweet joy ! thou'rt fairly won. 

All had perform'd their parts full well, 
This they had heard their Captain tell ; 
Such words produc'd, without alloy. 
That heart- felt, open, manly joy. 
Which only minds at ease can buoy. 

Now to description of the ways. 
In which the Tar his glee betrays :-~ 
By some the mazy reel is trac'd. 
And is with strength, and neatness grac'd; 
The active shuffle they go thro'. 
While to the music, th' action 's true.—' 

Perhaps one, suppler than the rest. 
Will dance a Hornpipe with the best ; 
Yes, and excel too ! — In this feat, 
None can the British Seaman beat. 



98 

Tho' graceful Minuet i fam'd Pas Seul ! 
May crown the skipping Gallic Scliool, 
In Hornpipes ! they but play the fool 1 

Now a more gen'ral pastime reigns, 
By which the Landman knowledge gains ; 
They purchase it, in truth, full dearly, 
Yet take it as it 's given, cheerly. 

Thus then, a Galley * must be built, 
Destin'd to be well wash'd and gilt : 
But this is only known to few, 
The old ones — of our jovial Crew. 

First now, to make the Vessel's side, 
All Greenhorns t are securely tied ; 
Sitting on deck, and face to face, — 
Their legs to bars the builders lace, 
And arms together : this once done, 
When it is sure they cannot run, 
Quick are the limbo'd wretches painted 
With all that's sooty, greasy, tainted ! — 
This is the gilding !!! To make clean 
The dirt which after paint is seen. 
All Inowtng ones in haste prepare, 
Alas ! poor Novice, how you stare ! 

* A *' Galley" is a kind of vessel, where oars are ^used as well 
as sails ; chiefly met with in the Mediterranean. 

■ 'j- A '' Greenhorn" is a Sea-term of reproach, implying ignorance. 
Thus a novice in Sea-matters is so calle !, 



99 

Some pails fiU'd from the briny tide 
To wash the Galley's dirty side ! 
Even the Captain now enjoys 
The laughing Crew's incessant noise ; 
Smiles at the Landman's sore dismay, 
When first he feels the sprinkling spray,— 
Not long a-sprinkling, 'twas to frighten, 
And by near danger, fear to heighten . 
A signal made ! — the waters pour ; 
Convuls'd, the Crew with laughter roar, 
Till the Chief cries, " no more, no more ;" 
The smear'd, drench'd wretches are set free. 
And tho' they suffer, yet agree. 
It is as glorious sport as one can see. 
Perhaps, dress'd up in garb fantastic, 
Perfum'd with tar in lieu of mastick^ 
Again they dance with spring elastic. 

The Swab, makes out a head of hair. 
For shape indeed, a little rare ; 
But when well dusted 'tis with flour, 
Not e'en a prude, in pouts would lour. 
The oddness, quaintness of the style. 
Must force, I think, a pretty smile. 

Nor do I think the thing can rex, 
Tho' it is meant her heav'nly sex 



100 

Thus to personify, with all the grace 

Of Jack's sweet forniy and sweeter face. 

Especially when told the plan 

Is to select the ugliest man. 

— Ugliest ! — 'tis a word too tame ^ 

And even frightful I is the same ; 

If this dire semblance of the fair. 

With their sweet selves, we should compare. 

Bring to your mind's eye figure moat uncouth ! 
With face as hideous ! and you have the truth ; 
Striding like giant ! and like porpoise rolling * I 
Grinning a smile ! and now a soft lisp growling ! 
Array 'd in all the " majesty of Thrums i^" 
This apparition, non-descriptive ! comes — 
An altogether, neither Brute nor Human ! 
Such is the lovely copy of a Woman !!! 
Attended by a courteous mate, 
As charming too, decreed by fate 
In shape ! in feature ! and in gait ! 



* The " Porpoise'^ is a large fish, remarkable for rolling and 
tumbling about, in fine weather ; but during bad, or on its approach, 
swimming with amazing velocity, and (as generally remarked) to- 
wards the pkoint from whence the gale is to corae.—It has a good 
deal the appearance of a hog. 

f " Thrums'* are fag-ends, remnants of threads, coloured or not, 
indeed of any description ; they are sewed on hammocks, or canvass, 
^or mats for cabins, &c. &c. The motleyness may be conceived. 



101 

While gallantly her hand he presses, 

And ever and anon caresses ; 

'Tis really most entertaining 

To see them thus their parts sustaining. 

A number often this sport relish, 

And so, their dainty forms embellish. — 

The Sea but calm and weather warm, 
They often bathe too, safe from harm ; 
As from the under-yards are low^rd, 
Steering sails which to those afford, 
Who cannot swim, a resting place ^ 
Thus accidents are ne'er the case. 
A Boat also must those attend. 
Who on their swimming may depend. 
This is a charming relaxation. 
Cleanly — and does health occasion. 

With Single-sticks * they oft amuse, 
And he who best these sticks can use, 
Gains honour; what more grateful than? 
The title of the Better Man !— 

It is a blest reward — O I let us cherish 
This noblest of names !— rather let's perish I 
Than not be first at something. — Bounteous Heav'n ! 
Has to all earthly beings surely giv'n 



* " Single-sticks" ar« cudgels, whose handles are guarded by 
basket-work or hide. 



102 

Abilities, in some way to excel, 
If they would but employ their talents well. 
He who possesses strength of body, size, 
May in all active feats the world surprize ; 
Yiet, altho' he is given mighty pow'r, 
Still may another mortal o'er him tow'r. 
In wisdom ! courage ! or in perseverance ! 
Perhaps in prepossessing face ! appearance, 
Where all the happy qualities combine. 
Which ever must this human state refine !— 
No one can arrive at true perfection, 
In every pursuit ; — the direction 
Then, that our poor feeble state 
Must, as circumscrib'd by fate, 
Try at all events to follow, 
Is — that, in tilings where we are beaten hoUow, 
And must be beaten ! not to weakly cry, 
" O ! this is terrible!" but nobly try 
A steadfast, right-down, persevering spell. 
Until some other thing is done full well. — 
Only let reason's voice assure the gain. 
Before you seek it, you can well attain. 

Now, tho' young Brace is a most fav'rite Tai', 
Still was he made to feel wise nature's bar :— 
Most wise indeed ; for, I will tell the truth. 
Had he been first at all things— modest worth, 



103 

That unassuming worth, might ne'er have shone 
In honest Brace ; and so hare trulj won 
Our friendship,— nay I our very warm esteem; 
None might him then our " greatest fav'rite" deem. 
Had he but once been paramount in all, 
I fear none of us would him honest call ; 
But vain, tyrannic, nay! detested Brace I 
To real worthiness a sad disgrace. — 

Once, or more oft, a not too-gentle rule, 
From that convincing, never-failing school 
Yclep'd Experience ! — has a certain sway, 
That enters deeply — for We dearly pay ! 

And does us really by far more good 

Than any other lesson understood. 

Now Ben Bhace had in harbour once forgot, 

In mortal limits still was cast his lot : — 

** The Frigate's pride t — the gallant ! dashing Brace 

*' Surely could never meet a foul disgrace I"— 
But listen : — Once at ev'ning's play, 

(As on this evening they may,) 

Ben vaunted his superior skill, 

And swore " he'd give a bitter pill 

'' To any fellow would stand up ; 

" He'd never let him down to sup 

" Without a belly full of wackets ! 

'' O ! he'd dust all their dirty jackets." 



104 

A smart, young Irish lad advances, 
And with an active caper dauces 
Up to our Bek 5 now turn'd a bully, 
As I shall prove, I hope, most fully : 
*^ My shoul ! you blate it well, my boy J 
'' But here's a little Irish joy, 
" Och, Batthershin ! I don't care dat-r 
'' You trash us all! — Och so ! — och phatl— 
" My fait, here's long live Tipperary ! 
" And d — n! the dog dat says contrary,'* 

Ben, like a lion fir'd as soon, 
As he had heard this daring tunt s 
— For Pat Mahony was a landman_. 
And to a Tar of course no grand man I 
And altho' Ben had often seen 
That Irishmen had Seamen been ; 
Yet, from a raw one ! none could broolc 
Such liberties as Paddy took. 
Ben, now no longer brave and cool, 
Begins at once to play the fool. 
'' You scum ! you mere grass-combing * Pat! 
^' Wid all your -phys ! — and ochs I — and phat ! 



* The Sailors, queerly enough, call Haymakers ^'Grass-combers;'* 
a term they lavish indiscriminately upon all landmen. — *' Scum" is 
the most contemptuous of all their appellations — '^ You Scum of the 
earth." 



105 

^^ D'ye tink, you lubberly Paddeen ! 

^' Dat Paddy Whack shall best be seen !" — 

^^ Hourroo ! no jaw," cries Pat Mahony, 
^' Or be de Man Til surely bone 'y *." 

No further words ! — but in the ring 
The champions rage ! the baskets sing \ 
In shivers fly the first weak pair ; 
But Ben's the fimt, while in the air 
Paddy throws up his tougher stick. 
Too honourable e'er to lick 
The man disarm'd : this vexes Ben, 
A thousand times more than the ken 
Pat shews at cudgelling : a pair 
Of fresh sticks they at once prepare :— 
They strike!— and 'tis Mahony's turn, 
A splinterM cudgel now to mourn. 
Ben does of course the luck despise. 
And gruffly, '' Take another," cries. 

My honest fellow ! hadst thou paid 
To reason thought, thou would'st have stay'd, 



* This dialogue, the Author trusts, needs no apology : his aim is, 
to shew the different men who compose the British Navy in their 
*^ true colours ;" the words are written of course as pronounced ; for 
it will he seen hereafter, that Mahony had received sometliiug of 
an education. 



106 

Nor fought until another day ; 

But pride and arrogance will sway. 

At times, the best. — Now I must tell, 

That Ben at this time was not well ; 

Tho' indeed never quite so strong. 

As now the Hero of my song, 

Stout Pat Mahony !— Brace's strength 

Had fainting sunk, when, O ! the length 

Of Paddy's oaken cudgel came 

Across his pate, and, O ! the fame 

Of vain Ben Brace wax'd rather lame.— 

And now proud Pat, to end the contest, 

And fairly prove which man was the best, 

On Brace's elbow gives a rap,— 

O dreadful fate ! — O dire mishap !— 

Down tumbles stick ! — and, with alarm, 

Ben finds he cannot move his arm !— 

Nor will you, my most well-serv'd friend^ 

Till time and doctors can it mend. — 

Well, how d'ye think my Bully takes it ? 
He grasps Pat's hand, and friendly shakes it 
With the one left,— aye and invites 
The brave young lad (who nothing spites) 
To swig a can of flowing grog, 
And join for e'er at daily prog. 



1 

3 



107 

In short— he takes him to his mess : . 
Thus kindred minds ! will e*er caress. 

Now some traits prove that honest Ben 
Had faults as well as other men ; 
But he such thorough ^^pirit had, 
That a defeat sat passing bad 
Upon his mind, in such things as 
Well competent he knew he was 
E'er to excel ! 

If he but manag'd matters well. 
His active strength and ardour gave^ 
And ready skill (when coolly brave) 
Bright hopes of conquest o'er a foe, 
'Who might more strength of muscle show, 
But in agility, must bow. 

Thus back'd by reason — strong desire, 
Ben Brace again begins to fire; 
And tho' he loves Pat as his brother, 
He cannot bear that any other 
Should vanquish him, where he might beat 
In active skill, and daring feat ! 

So, when recover'd, perseverance 
Staggers his rival past endurance. 
For young Pat, tho' a noble youth, 
(You know I'm bound to tell the truth,) 



108 

From e'en a speck of cow'rdice free. 

Yet had not been enough at Sea, 

To feel that persevering* courage, 

Which, spite of fate's unkind demurragCj 

Still in every bosom burns. 

Until the tide of fortune turns : 

His strengthj tho' pOTv'rful, was not agile 5 

Brace's bones were indeed more fragile; 

But then Ben had such symmetry. 

Such ardour, and activity, 

That not the hardiest endeavour 

Could, when in health, him conquer ever [-— 

The upshot of the bus'ness then 

Was, that our persevering Ben 

Regain'd the term, so anxious sought, 

''- The better man ! by shipmates thought*." 



* The Author hopes it will not be supposed, that he means to 
extol Seamen beyond all bounds ; — their persevering courage is 
proverbial: — and as to Landmen '' knocking under," (to use a 
vulgar phrase,) upon their first coming to Sea, it is but natural to 
imagine it : — they find themselves (comparatively speaking) so in- 
significant, so helpless, so astonished at, and indeed grateful for, the 
feats performed at critical periods by Seamen, that it is not matter of 
wonder, they should look upon them as a superior order of beings, 
until they themselves become inured to the element. — As to making 
Be N a North-country man, and the Hero, while a young Irish landman 
bravely opposes him, a real instance happened to coincide: — but the 
Author, at any rate, would have so made it ; as, in pourtraying cha- 



109 

But young Mahony had it in him : 
(As he had prov'd)~his actions win him 
The admiration of the Crew ; 
While to that noble maxim true, 
*' Merit reward," our Captain tries 
To give (what no one can despise) 
" Deserv'd promotion." — Years elapse 
Howe'er, before this justice haps. 

It would be too much Poets' laws abusing, 
Did I, while only for two short months cruising, 
Give you a six years' history of War ; 
It would my present story sadly mar : 
I will just say, that this fine^ brave young man, 
Had from a desp'rate father lately ran ; — 
Desp'rate indeed !— for O ! the savage rant, 
Th' insidious, fatal, sophistical cant, 



racters in a profession composed of people from many parts, surely it 
is but just to choose a hero from that which aifords the majority. — ■ 
The North of England is the chief nursery for Seamen ; consequently 
will afford a proportionably greater choice of both good and bad. 
There, however, are fully as fine fellows to be met with elsewhere !— 
That sudden impulse to oppose, when (as in this instance) devoid of 
what may be termed " wrongheadedness," is a characteristic of manly 
spirit. Whatever bravery other landmen may evince, yet the Au- 
thor has oftener observed abrupt proofs of it in the Irish than in 
others ; he therefore would have conceived himself correct in making 
a portraiture, a» above, had not there been the coincidence alread;jr 
mentioned. 



110 

Of murd'rous Jacobins, liad deeply plung'd, 
In crimes immense! by death alone expung'd, 
Th' unhappy Parent! — Caught in wily snare 
A frantic, factious, fiend-like few prepare 
T' entrap the unthinking ; who once caught, 
Soon arc these brain-distracting lessons taught^ 
Such as, that ruffians, with mad thirst for pow'r, 
Who eager grasp at fortune's richest dow'r ; 
Who at the peaceful bliss of others lour, 
Will raise themselves, alas ! at your expence. 
And let you reconcile at leisure, sense. 
Of actionsy the reverse downright of precept * ; 
Till, in the school of specious wiles an adept, 
You find, amaz'd !, the method to he free !y 
Is to be rul'd with Teriest tyranny !!! f 
That, O God! true republics! have one head!!! 
And to be truly happy /, is to live in dread!!! J 



* \Vltness Kobespierre !, and other demagogues like him, who, in 
the name of Freedom, committed such atrocities; who, pretending 
to humihty, became the most sanguinary despots !!! 

f Witness the proscriptions, &c. &c. by the different ''free! forms 
pf goverament" in France. 

X Witness the present " Imperial Republic'* of France; — the 
happiness of the people under the " Enslavement of the Press ;" — 
** the System of Epionnage ;" — the Military Commissions and Con- 
scriptions ;" — and the " Anticipation of Anarchy again,'* on the 
death of their present iron-handed Ruler, (for this the history of 
the world pro\{es invariably to follow s\ich insatiable ambition^; &c. 
&c. &c. 



... \ 



111 

In short, the present philosophic creed 

Is to emblazon the most vicious deed 

In all the garb of Righteousness : — take heed !! 

Mahony had that sort of education 
Which those who live, not quite, in lowest station, 
Gft give their offspring ;— he could write, and read. 
And cypher too, with tolerable speed. 
Full lucky this ; — ^as, had he not attained 
These useful rules, he never could have gain'd 
Desir'd Promotion : — had he Service seen, 
Severe as possible ; to duty been 
Keen as he keenly could ; 
Still had he stood 

In the same rank of life, for aye and ever:— 
*' He who can't read and write, can't rise,"— no, never! 

Oft have I seen a meritorious Tar, 
Whom even his best-wishers must debar 
From ruining himself by taking rank ; 
Which would not prove, in truth, a simple blank! 
For, as you rise unto a higher station, 
You liave for learning e'er much more occasion ; 
Responsible you now are more become 
For articles, which cost a fearfid sum *. 

' ■ " I . ' -III ■ ■ p . . I .1 i i iii I— y».^>. ■ ■ ■m^. 

* This, the Author has often painfully witnessed :- — He has seen 
some of the finest fellows possible refuse, of their own accord, to 
be promoted, as they did not know how to keep either a journal 
or account of stores ; consequently might be ruined, as they kaew 
they must make up deficiencies to the properBoards, 



112 

How are you to know, (as it will be sought)— 
No writing ! reading ! arithmetic ! taught, 
To gire account of these things, clearly, truly;— 
And if you confide in others, coolly 
Perhaps they cheat ! and you, immur'd in prison. 
At leisure feel, too late, alas ! contrition.—* 
The Warrant Officer*, and Master, Mate, 
Have, on expences, much to write and state ;— 
And should it ever be their wayward fate, 
One single jot of caution to abate, *?^ 

Their pockets, or their rank, will quickly feel 
What it is, with their Boards to double-deal ; 
'Tis they must answer, tho' another steal !l!^r- 

Now Ben would oft have been promoted, 
Could he but have Grammar, Cocker i quoted : 
His genius truly, that way did not lie. 
He could not learn to spell, were h« to die ! 
Here now, if I (as bound) correctly steer, 
I must make one more little trait appear 
Of honest Ben's, to wit I that his best friend, 
Could, in no shape, persuade him to his end. 
If he had taken once into his noddle, 
That the desir'd pursuit his brains would coddle \ 

* The Master is responsible for the Ship's Log : — a Mate ^vrites 
it; his station consequently requires some education. — The War- 
rant Officers who have charge of stores^ are, the '' Gunner/' " Boat- 
swain," and *• Carpenter." 

t Cocker's Book of Arithmetic is meant 



lis 

He roundly swears, ^^ he's not cut out for laming ! 

" And never can be master Cocker's darling ! " 

So gives his quid a twist, and d — ns his eye. 

Swears, " honest Jack he's liv'd, and Jack he'll die." 
'Tis hard indeed for men, who nations rule, 

To have to go, like children, to the school : 

It can't be call'd the fault of honest Jack, 

It heavier lays upon the parents' back: — 

Indeed the Country is extremely tame 

Throughout, in Marine Education's fame : — 

There scarcely is a Naval School to prize. 

And few amongst us do such patronize. 

If there were Free Schools at each larger port% 

To which the poor man never need pay court. 

But go, and simply to the Master say, 

*' Receive this active youngster, sir, I pray, 

*^ And educate him, for a life at Sea, 

" As he, a gallant Sailor fain would be ;"— 

Many a truly noble fellow cou'd 

(Sufficient lore by this means understood) 

At last arrive at rank by well deserving, 

Not e'en, the very highest rank ! reserving : 

More would our glorious Service be desir'd. 

If more could be with sanguine hopes inspir'd, 

* Naval ones, where the children of Seamen should have the 
preference. 

1 



Of sharing in those agremens^ which do 
Promotion's happy summit, ever strew"^:— 
The Navy must in fact be greatly mended, 
As qualities would be more equal blended. 

The noble youtbj from pride of high descent. 
Gives, to chivalrous- spirit, daring vent ! — 
His parentsc. vers'd in Wisdom's soundest lore, 
Instructed, ere he bade adieu to shore, 
TiieiY gallant cliild, — 
'^ In ever to be by vice's snares beguil'd ! 
" That love of one's own Country !, noble deeds!, 
^' An idle, usel^s, vicious life exceeds, 
^' In so much as the mighty Hero I 's priz'd 
'' Beyond the paltry Fop ! — O name despis'd ! — 
" That to be fondly lov'd, as well as fear'd, 
^^ Or more expressive term, to be rever'd ! 
'■^ With ample knowledge must be stor'd the mind, 
^^ And manly virtues of each noble kind." — 

The well-dispos'd, enthusiastic youth. 
His glowing mind impress'd with all the truth 
Inculcated by those he fondly lov'd, 
Declar'd (much mov'd), ^^ it firmly him behov'd 
" To cherish ever in his inmost breast, 
" Maxims so wise !, so glorious !, so addrest! 

Till Thirteen, Tutors form'd the noble boy, 
Wbile Parents did both heart and soul employ, 



115 

To sow those chosen seeds, which then take root. 
And must in manhood most luxuriant shoot. 
It would be too much, were I to digress, 
T' explain in full the rules they would impress. 

An anxious, worthy Parent best can feel ; 
It is then to their hearts I would appeal!!! 
About Thirteen went the exalted youth, 
Neither a savage nor indeed uncouth, 
As some (at least) think Sailors should be, sooth ! * 
But a high-minded British Nobleman, 
Thoroughly Navigation's rules to scan. 
At Portsmouth's famous, but small seminary, 
O ! sad to say, and thus too ! solitary. — - 



* There are some who think, a Sailor should be without the 
smallest sense of Rehgion and refinement, lest he should be ener- 
vated :■ — ^but they surely do not reflect, that restless, daring spirits^ 
without the control of noble sentiments^ are ever dangerous to a 
state, and each other : — for a proof of this ; look (as most applicable) 
to the military conduct of the French, during a period when those 
principles which fit mankind for a happier state, and civilize them in 
this, were subverted by the blasting influence of their Revolution,—- 
that impressive instrument of Divine wrath !, also of Wisdom ! :— 
for are we to be so lost, as not to benefit from the tremendous les- 
son ?, by avoiding its horrors ! — and for a contrast, to ourselves ge- 
nerally, but more particularly under an Abercromby ! and Nel- 
son ! — Say not a word of the success of the French, as in praise of 
its means ; — the decrees of Providence are inscrutable,— -wait for the 
event. — Conquer they have, but by infamous intrigue !, as well as 
force of arms! — while our triumphs, have been of equal conse- 
quence to us, as a Commercial Country, and obtained in the noblest 
way, — by open, manly, and, if I may be allowed the expression, 
Christian-like warfare ! ! ! 

I ^ 



116 

Plac'd in a Naval Dock-yard, where we learn 
The various indispensables in turn * ; 
Which form the complete, scientific part 
Of Britain's fam'd, her most essential art, 
Namely, her Nautical ! — for three good years, 
The young man thro' its various branches steers ; 
Nor does he loss of time, or service fear, 
For, at this School, his name must still appear 
At Navy Office, as if real cruising 
Had been his mind, instead of School amusing. 

At Sixteen years of age, he joins a Sloop t, 
(For after this, no bounds should ever coop 
An ardent spirit) ; thus well stor'd with science, 
Having with Seaman's practice too, alliance ; 
Endow'd with strength of body, strength of mind ; 
Possess'd, in short, of all things fit combin'd, 



* The Naval Academy, at Portsmouth, is the only regular one m 
the kingdom. A certain number of Boys are admitted, (whose time 
here goes for Service at Sea, to a certain extent) ; but too few to be 
taken into account. — From being situated in a Dock-yard, both 
Science and Practice are acquired, even extending to Seamanship, 
as a kind of Yacht is manned by these youths, which performs dif- 
ferent nautical evolutions, outside the harbour. 

t By '' joining a Sloop,'^ is meant '' a Sloop-of-War." — ^The first 
Service at Sea should ever, when possible, be in a small vessel, 
where there are fe\rer Officers and more active Service, consequent- 
ly the Rudiments best acquired. — Some months should, after this, 
be passed in a larger Ship, and the finish (for some months) in a 
Flag. 



117 

He, from a three years' longer, active practice. 
Learns even twice as much, (for so the fact is,) 
Than many, who, aye ! their entire career 
Have serv'd at Sea, yet dunces still appear, 
As scarcely knowing how to reef! and steer! 

How often hapless victims Boys are made. 
Who, 'fore sufficient strength and knowledge bade, 
Are sent to Sea, — to learn, in fact, but mischief! 
A youngster may not always find that his Chief, 
With fost'ring care parental, watches o'er him ; 
Laying some steady regulations 'fore him, 
Which are to be enforc'd, — that, when there's wealth, 
He may not ruin both his mind ! and health ! 

At all events, the many avocations 
On board, in learning, backwardness occasions, — 
Even on board us !, where a proper Master 
Prevents, as best he can, the sad disaster, 
(I mean an ignorance of useful schooling,) 
Both he and Captain, by attentive ruling; — 
For e'er at Sea, should nothing consequential 
Happen, that is than learning more essential, 
The younger Midshipmen in Cabin come. 
At Ten o'clock, and study passing mum. 
That is, without the irksome, sleepy hum, 
So common to all schools ; — but with attention 
Listen to whatsoe'er the Chief may mention. 



118 

For as he really means them to advance 
As much as possible, — a frowning glance 
Is ever ready, or a word, to frighten 
Such as their study wish to idly lighten. 

By this account, you do, I hope, perceive 
He would the dunce, and truant too, retrieve 

Most anxiously he does himself attend, 
Whene'er due leisure can towards it tend. 
Duty howe'er, at Sea, will interfere. 
Nor at the School in Port can Chiefs appear. 
Service on shore, and also well-earn-d pleasure^ 
Can hardly e'er afford sufficient leisure : 
Indeed in Harbour, youngsters must be sent 
On duties, which their schooling will prevent : 
So that you see, a willing Chief, in spite, 
A Master clever, as a master might. 
Youngsters on board cannot well learn aright. 

Besides, as I must now repeat once more, 
Youngsters, as soon as they are sent from shore, 
Are not by any means so sure of finding 
Such Captams as would, like our own, be minding 
Them and their int'resfs, like a very brother; — 
The flame of truth I will not ever smother. 
Therefore will firmly say, " that so much care. 
Our youths for manhood's trials to prepare, 
Is, in the British Navy, far too rare!!!" — 



119 

Surely, then ! Health and Science should be studied. 
Nor should a wretched boy, too young be hurried 
To the hard trials found upon the Ocean, 
Without both stamina ! an4 proper notion ! 
Nor can he lose, you know, his precious time. 
For when 'tis serv'd, he's only in his prime ; 
Much better jfit to honour a Commission, 
Nor be from Non-age I to a Crew derision I!! 
As, if at licens'd Seminaiy taught. 
Observe! at Twenty ! a Commission's sought;- — 
Surely this is quite time enough,— if Schools 
Of common sort instructed him in rules. 
And he, at sixteen years old, joins the Navy, 
Ploughing, for six years * after, salt Old Davy ; 
When two^andAwenty years expire, then can he 
Be a Lieutenant made, and afore many 
(Most likely) goX a well-deserv'd Command : 
Superior science ever will demand 
The first regard, at kind Promotion's hand !!! 
Reader ! perhaps you could not well espy, 
I had our Frigate's Captain in my eye. 



* It is necessary to serve " six years" on board a King's Ship 
(part of the time as, what is called " rated on the books,") before 
you can pass the examination which renders you competent to a 
Commission. 



120 

When I talk'd of the " fine ennobled youth, 
^^ Neither a savage or (indeed) uncouth ;" 
I'm strictly to veracity exact, 
When I declare it is the real fact,— 
Such ! was his (from birth) exalted station, 
Such ! was (from parents) his fine education.-— 

But come — ^I think 'tis almost time to stop, 
And in my tale a little backward hop ; 
Running thus, from one subject to another, 
Will, I fear, all your much-tried patience smother. 
^' Bear with me but a little," and believe me. 
The subject shall not e'er again aggrieve ye. — 
It is thus, then, I would be understood. 
That it might surely better be, but cou'd 
^omt youths (at least) intended, learn cost-free. 
Before they're sent to navigate on Sea, 
(Those only who before the Mast must be). 

Then how more oft, by Tars, would be acquir'd 
Advancement ! how much more also desir'd 
Would be the Service ! — hence how vastly mended 
As talents thus would be much better blended. 

The meritorious Tar, wlio from the Mast, 
Arrives at well-acquir'd reward at last, 
Is a true diamond ! but a little rough ! 
This dims the lustre, but 'tis sterling stuff! 



121 

He scarcely can, with such a radiance shine. 

As those who worth, and rank, and grace combine: 

When such appear ! — ^behold a dazzling polish 

That the whole universe may well astonish ! !! 

A polish'd, gallant Nobleman, I say, 

May far the greatest contribution lay 

Upon our admiration, be 't from blood 

Of ancestors renown'd, who foremost stood 

In noble deeds of fame, — or howsoe'er, . 

Still to indulge in the idea, I dare ! 

The Laws of God have, from the first, ordain'd, 
That state unequal be 'mongst men maintained ; 
That a due reverence be ever paid 
To pow'r, when ^tis in virtue's garb array* d; 
And mortals have, from past experience, found, 
What Wisdom has the Will Omniscient crown'd : 
Reflection proves, that modern philosophists 
Are but in fact most vain, most vicious sophists ; 
O ! wild attempt ! their specious tenets dire. 
So vilely loos'd, have set the world on fire ; 
And canting Levellers have now surpast, 
In acts of tyranny, the furious cast 
Of savage Negro, or the wildest beast, 
That wretches, like themselves, alone may feast ! 
O ! may we find, that soon this storm will end, 
And that Britannia's worth may yet the world amend ! 



1^2 

But I fear, I am digressing. 
And my thoughts but too much pressing. 

This then I would, for good and all, express. 
Yet fain would not my words in meanness dress. 

Whene'er we find a Nobleman excels, 
With him a truly splendid lustre dwells ; 
Others are diamonds, rich in worth, but rough, 
Not quite composed of such a radiant stuif : 
—But as uncommon 'tis, in truth, to be 
So great, so much from worldly error free ; 
We must in general to men descend 
Who have a few faults, they may tho' amend I 
To those ennobled Youths who, often rash, 
Their fame, by too much daring hazard, dash ; 
To some old OfF'cers, who' thro' caution, cool. 
Rather attend too ! closely to its rule, 
Nor dash so much as such hot war requires : 
Thus then you find you have unequal fires. 
Form a Third Class !, and you will surely find 
Materials, must be suited to your mind ; 
Our fiery Youths would then less seldom moura 
A loss of Ship and lives, — but better learn. 
Thro' emulation not too hot ! to rule, 
And the old Seamen not to be too cool ! 



123 

However, certainly this cannot be 
Till useful Learning 's more diffu^'d at Sea*. 



* If Boys destined for the Sea Service, whether Mercantile or 
Naval (to which last, in fact, they ultimately come for a time), 
could be given an appropriate education, it would create almost a 
third class of Naval Officers, such as the (before-mentioned) great 
Cook !, and some now living of the highest eminence (whom it 
would be indelicate to name), but unfortunately too few in number 
to be reckoned a Third part of the Navy ;— there would then be, the 
" fire of youth," from those who have risen rapidly in the Service 
through merit, assisted by interest ; — *' steadiness and naval tactics,'* 
from those who have risen gradually in the Navy only ; and *' tho- 
rough-bred seamanship and caution," from such as have served be- 
fore the mast in both Services. — Each would be an example to the 
other, — and so, correct and blend. — It may be said, " This is the 
case at present, and the Navy is very well as it is !*' — Will reading 
and writing give a lad the courage, and teach him the method, to 
" hand a top-gallant sail in a squall of drift! the mast expected to 
*' go over the side every instant! ;" — " to furl a close-reefed top-sail 
" in a dreadful winter's night of wind and snow !, yard-arms dipping 
*'a-lee!" — Not exactly. — But while I find Scotch Crews (who al- 
most all can read, write, and cypher,) make the tremendous pas- 
sages they do, to and from the Baltic, &c. &c., in their little bits of 
craft, and act in the brave, active, and loyal way in which they do 
in the Navy, I can never be brought to think that the elements of 
learning in a Seaman is a bar to their most estimable qualities ; on 
the contrary, if it does not improve Seamanship (an art only to be 
acquired by practice), I am satisfied it cannot prevent its acquire- 
ment; and improves character! and conduct! — And be it remem- 
bered too, that often and often the noblest fellows, whom Officers 
would give the world to promote, must hopelessly remain in the 
situations of (at the utmost) Petty Officers, debarred of that great 
spring of action ! the hope to rise!!!, — not only in the Navy, but 
every where else indeed. — When these m.en therefore, with all the 
qualities of Heroes, can never be brought to adorn the Navy, as 



124 

All I have said is still within the scope- 
1 gave myself, — that, you agree, I hope,— 
It all relates, either to our lov'd Chief, 
Or glorious Navy ! — But, for some relief, 
1*11 to the Sailors' Pastimes now return, 
As you (if 't please) in Canto next may learn. 



some formerly in their situation now do, and all because, forsooth ? 
they cannot read and write 1, I cannot but think the want a very 
considerable injury to the Service, and consequently Nation ! — 
One remark, selfish enough, God knows!, strikes me as might be 
made, viz. you acknowledge these are *' noble fellows ;"— the term 
of course is derived from their noble conduct in certain situations : — ■ 
why, sir, if they do so much good here, would you wish to take 
them away ? — I do not wish to take them away from any situation 
that would not be instantly and constantly re-filled by their equals, 
(for Promotion cannot go beyond certain limits) :— nor are such Sea- 
men likely to become bankrupt in such qualifications, until the Race 
is extirpated ! : — and let it be remembered too, that their removal is 
to stations where they may be of move value. 



END OF CANTO II. 



CANTO III. 



SJrsumcnn 



Officers practise Single-sticks — Edward, a young Midshipman, in- 
troduced, who rivals Henry — Tom Sykes, his Character — Beats 
Dick, an English landman — ^The manner in which the Watch 
below pass their time— Naval Uniform treated on — Cards and 
Chequers, making and mending Clothes, Straw Hats, Canvass 
Shoes, Models of Ships, Clock-cases, Music, and reading Stories^ 
enumerated — Ship-visiting, and going on Shore, adverted to — 
The Captain's manner of passing his time — His Library — Little 
Concerts — Slabin, a Dutch musician, introduced ; his Character, 
with that of the Marine Officer, Sandy Mayne — The Surgeon, 
Shenkin Lloyd ; and the Chaplain — The Captain and Chaplain 
not such good friends in harbour : Reason — Anecdote of the Cap- 
tain — ^Vi'ith various et-cceUras, which grow out of these things. 



THE 



CRUISE. 



CANTO IIL 

Officers often freely interaiix, 

To try their skilfnlness at Single-sticks, 

Amongst themselves, and sometimes with the Tar 

Tho' quarrelsome contention ne'er must mar 

In each, a proper sense of Situation ; 

Remembrance must be ever had to Station. 

E'en Captains will their Officer*; invite 

To try a bout of gentlemanly fight. 

Ours thinks, a gen'ral knowledge of the art 

Does much towards self-confidence impart ; 

When to the furious boarding Sailors rush, 

To know the parry, and the deadly push,— 

Must be an aid essential, life to save, 

Till, firm on deck, you fear no wat'ry grave : 



128 

Then, like the lightning's swiftest gleam, to sheathe 
The sword in foes, and snatch the Victor's wreath ! 

Oiir Captain, youthful, vigorous, and brave, 
To all who saw, a full conviction gave, 
Of what he could do ; now he merely shows 
The various parries, and the diiF'rent blows. 
It is not meet he ever should descend 
To play with warmth, tho' Officers contend : 
Yet, in the lightning of his flashing eye. 
And nervous spring, a Hero you descry I 
The First Lieutenant, too, is nothing loth 
His skill to prove; judging indeed of both 
By their appearance, by th' expression 
Shewing that alone they fear aggression ; 
As then^ from reason's wisely cherish'd sway, 
They ma}" unthinkingly be led astray. 
To judge, from such fair proofs, both Heroes rise, 
Nor know we which, in fact, the most to prize. — 
Amongst the other Officers we find. 
Many with happy qualities combined | 
Of handsome person, and of comely face, 
Both set off with a manly grace. — 
Not all, indeed, are favour'd so by nature, — 
Some may want figure, or a handsome feature ; 
But all are skilful, and of courage tried ; 
Enough in conscience for a man's best pride : 



129 

That is, on Seirice;- — but if you can join 

To these a name^ whose stamp proves genuine coinlj 

Acquired by practice of bright honour's rules. 

And the best precepts of our Naval Schools ; 

A temper even, and for e'er dispos'd 

T' alleviate woes, so oft, alas ! impos'd. 

On such as struggle witli a hapless state, 

For some wise purposes ordain'd by fate. 

If Heav'n now, comeliness of form bestows. 

While thus exalted reason, talent, glows 

Thro' ev'ry speaking feature — perfect man 

Verges on bounds immortal, near as can ; 

If not! — to fret, is a most stupid plan. — ■ 

Think of a Nelson!!! scarce a vestige left 

Of form, — -of one arm!, eye!, and health ! bereft; 

Yet the transcendent lustre of his mind 

Bore him triumphantly above his kind !!! 

In short, then ! — shew you have a feeling heart, 

Good humour, knowledge, play a Hero's part, 

And on your Jigure, ne'er dread Satire's smart ! 

1 have, if you remember, lately said 
That if more due attention could be paid 
To further Schooling, before sent to Sea, 
And let Lads wait for strength, 't might better be :— 
But as it is, our Naval fame is great, 
And most have gone to Sea, at early date* 

K 



ISO 

Thus all the Youngsters, in our Frigate came, 
And prov'd, but then with care, most truly game I 

Behold now two of them — mere boys ! — engage, 
(Neither yet scarcely fourteen years of age) 
Fighting, as tho' oppos'd, in mortal strife, 
Nor once attempting to preserre a life : — 
They strike with utmost fury, and maintain 
The equal fight, with Spartan-like disdain 
Of yielding cither, the victorious palm; 
Until th' admiring Chief invites a calm. 
By making the courageous youths give o'er, 
And heal by friendly shaking hands the sore. — 

When the young breast, not yet enough matur'd. 
To be of sober reason's worth assur'd, 
Thus suffers spirit to usurp her sway 
It is the dawn of a refulgent day ! — • 

Well now !, the evening's sport to finish, 
And my Poem too, so far, diminish ; 
I'll tell you how him of the Larboard watch, 
In Main-top-chief, but few indeed could match ;-^ 
Tom Stkes l-^from far-fam'd London's city, 
And mention'd once in former ditty, 
When, as a Main-deck Captain station'd^ 
He such a famous shot occasion'd : 



131 

Had it not for this taleiit been, 
He in the rigging had been seen *i 
Tom wais no stupid , heavy log^ 
But a hard, active^ queer, dry dog; 
Full of his jaw, and Cockney jokes 
And a Tar's chief delight, the hoax ! ;— ^ 
In truth he was a lively fellow. 
Except, alack !, when over-mellow ; — 
Then the most silly, crabbed chap, 
Spleen ever dandled in her lap :— 
But, as this scarce could hap at Sea, 
He was good-hum our'd, frank, and free; 
Indeed the life, the very soul ! 
Of us who on the billows roll : 
Keep him but sober, to provoke him 
Would be in vain, howe'er you spoke him. 

With dauntless front, he takes a stick. 
To try a bout with talking Dick ; 
A John-Bull clod !, of lumb'ring size, 
Who, bullying, had gain'd a prize 



* The Captains of the Tops are generally stationed, during action, 
about the rigging of their respective Masts, to repair damages ; but 
Sykes, being an excellent hand at a gun, was Captain of one, and 
his place aloft supplied by a Top-man. — It is as well to note here, 
that each Mast has its Top, and that Midshipmen are stationed in 
them (according to seniority) to learn the duty of Seamen, bein^ 
made to lay out on the Yards and furl Sails, &c. &c. &c. at times, 



13^ 

Once at a fair ; but of no mettle, 
True spirit would Iiis bragging settle.— 
Thinking it may keep off the fight, 
Dick struts, and of his foe makes light. — 

Tom careless coincides with this ; 
But with an archness of his phiz. 
Cries, " M'ap 'Hs so, but, man, let's try; 
'* Jack shan't be first to sing out. Die!" — 
Forc'd to engage, Dick looks full queer, 
(For Tars may he^ what they appear!) 
But, then, if he declines the strife, 
They'll surely tease him out of life ! — 
He thinks too of his greater strength, 
His practice, and his arm's great length. 

All things consider'd, then, the fight 
He now begins, with all his might. — > 
But active, nervous Tom, more supple, 
Gives on his elbow blows a couple ; — 
Instant ! the Bully drops his stick, 
Quite sure, Tom Sykes he cannot lick! — 
The hearty laugh proves, all agree 
In feeling, when a Bully's humbled, — glee! 

Thus are the Evenings past, when unemploy'd^ 
Whene'er on board there is a leisure void. 
If the harassing squall, or coming storm. 
Or heavy rain, should Heaven's face deform,, 



133 

Then they must watch, (as you may think) alert I 
Nor station'd duties, heedlessly desert. 

The Watch below, or mend their wearing clothes, 
Of make them : — handicraft the Seaman knows. 
As also forming useful canvas shoes, 
(Altho' sometimes the neatest jean they use) ; 
Often too plat straw sinnets, — not for matSj 
But for extremely nice, and useful hats ; — 
Some comb and grease each other's ample hair. 
And plat the sides, and tie the queue with care. 

A thorough Sailor, well indeed deserves 
To be call'd trim !, and neat !, — he seldom swerves 5— 
Especially on board of Men-of- War, 
For there, the well equipp'd, right British Tar, 
Is ever habited, as duly clean, 
As all (but fops) could wish, or can be seen ! — 
Amidst the Summer's heat, in Trowsers white, 
And Guernsey Frock, or Waistcoat, are they dight ; 
In milk-white canvas Shoes, of their own make. 
And Hat of platted straw, for coolness' sake : 
In winter season, warmer things they wear. 
To better keep out cold external air; 
Close Jackets, with the flowing Trowsers blue, 
And good strong Boots, black Hats, pervade a Crew. 



134 

But mind !— all must in Uniform agree ; 
'Tis meet, in all, you but one Costume see ^.'-^ 
And here I also may as well remark, 
That ev'ry Officer on board our Bark, 
Was (with strict justice) by the Chief required 
To be at all times in right dress attir'd : 
Not like to Jockeys, or eiFem'nate Beaus, 
So whimsically rigg'd, that no one knows 
They are of Naval growth : — such mighty passion 
Have we now got, for motley, changeless fashion ! 

The Captain wears himself (and wills it so) 
Such Clothes as grace the Man ! not useless Beau ! 
But th' order is^ in th' order-book exprestj 
As tho' it only was a hind request:-^ 
And now I state the way all must be dresto 

First then, that Officers- usual habits be, 
(With this distinction, mark! of each degree,—- 



^ * Sailors are remarkably nice about their hair \ — combing, making 

I it shine with clean grease, queuing it down to a considerable length, 

I but leaving a long brush, and platting the sides : — this, with the uni- 

I form above described, gives the British Seaman the most pleasing 

I appearance ; — ^while the French and Spaniards are disgusting froni 

\ their filth and motleyness of garb. — The Guernsey frock is wove 

worsted, that used in the Navy being white ; it fits the shape close: 

The waistcoat is of white cotton, <ys linen : bo^ have ^€€V€S."-4n 

ivinter the red waistcoat is worn, 



135 

That single breasts on Midshipmen appear,— 
And Youngsters, Coats, to skirted Jackets sheer,) 
Plain double-breasted Blue Coats, button'd low. 
So much so that they'll not the Waistcoat show; 
Blue Pcmtaloons, three-quarter Hessian Boots, 
Made to fit men !, not slovenly Galloots I * 
A Kerchief for the neck, of blackest silk, 
And still that animal the Beau ! to bilk, 
E*en without a glimpse of muslin Kerchief, t 
Of errant Puppyism, troth, a sign chief. 

Avaunt, detested Foppery ! — far, far, 
Remove thy follies from the manly Tar. 

That round black Hats be worn, (or often glaz'd 
To better keep out pouring torrents prais'd,) 
On all occasions, save on duty going ; 
When thus, a plain cock'd Hat is ever owing. 

For Full-dress service,— (save and except Balls, 
Or too, unless some Regal honour calls; 



* " Galloot," means a clumsy, slovenly fellow. 

f Fearful, probably, of the head being blown off the shoulders, 
(as there are at times hurricanes on board,) it is sometimes securely 
bedded in a swathing of pad, and white muslin, firmly bound over 
all by a black-silk handkerchief, shewing just a ridge of white at 
top. — ^As, however, the Officers of this Frigate had good thick necks 
of their own, the Captain humbly requested they would dispense 
with such wrapping, except in action, to turn a musket-ball— if 
feared ! 



136 

For then with Breeches white, iftid white Hose, you 

Have yellow Buckles both for knee and shoe, 

AVith, for the neck, a Stock of velvet too :) 

The Hessian Boot and a white Pantaloon, 

Is, he says, ever the most proper boon : — 

Coats for Lieutenants full dress'd, — white lapell'd, - 

But then they're closely buttoned, and withheld, 

From present sight ; so that alone the Cuffs 

Prove (with peculiar Buttons) '^ saucy Luffs". — 

Cock'd Hats with loop and rosettes, but no lace, 

The Captain rather thinks, will better grace 

Such plain attire ;— but, if you've wond'rous will, 

You may, nay should, in dress, have lac'd Hats still. 

A plain gilt Sabre, and Suwarrow Belt,^- 

Not howe'er so tremendous as to melt 

The luckless wight, who swelters, while he carries 

What 's in fact neither good, for blows or parries ; 

But of appropriate magnitude, and neat. 

Such as (in short) for Sea-service be meet. 

The shorter Dirk for boating is allow'd 

Better than this, or in a dock-yard crowd *. 



* It is to be understood, that, in the whole of the recapitulation 
of Uniform, as above detailed, attention has been paid to the Cos- 
tume, the Author believes, most approved in the Navy at present; — 
for it can hardly be said that there is any officially established cut of 
the Clothes, or shape of Sword : — the consequence may be ima- 
gined.T-A plain sabre is mentioned, because much worn by very 



137 

But to resume :— those, who had nought to do, 
Sat down to games the Seamen mostly knew ; 



excellent Officers :— it certainly is ornamental, but quite useless on 
board Ship, where of course most wanted. — Officers going on board- 
ing expeditions invariably prefer common Cutlasses (those allowed 
Men-of-War) ; why not then have " Regulation Cutlasses" for Offi- 
cers? precisely the make, &c. &c. of the common ones, only mount- 
ed in yellow, vnth the Crown and Anchor on the Guard, and a black 
Scabbard and Suvvarrow Belt, made strong enough to bear a brace 
of Pistols, — indeed fitted for them? — The old Hanger and Cross-belt 
are bad, inasmuch as the former is too long, too weak, and without 
a guard ; and the latter not allowing you to place Pistols in it : — the 
Suwarrov/ Belt, by permitting the Sword to hang from the side, so 
as to enable you to sit down in a boat, yet having a hook to bring 
it close up when required, and doing away the necessity of a second 
belt, for Pistols, is surely preferable — In regard to Dress, one addi- 
tion to the Lieutenant's Uniform, as tending to do away firequent 
misunderstandings, which might lead to serious consequences, the 
Author begs to mention; — viz. that of an *' Epaulette," suppose 
Silver_, as cheapest, best suited to white Lapels, and distinguished 
from the Captain's, which is Gold. — At present, in other countries. 
Lieutenants are very generally mistaken for subordinate Officers : — 
the Author believes, in every country but our own, the rank of 
Captain of Infantry, which Naval Lieutenants have, is marked by 
the Epaulette and Sword-knot ; — (this last is worn in the Navy, in- 
discriminately however) : — from the want, at all events, of the for- 
mer, the Author has himself seen a junior Lieutenant of Marines 
paid more attention to abroad, than an old First Lieutenant of a 
Flag-ship: — and once, having been sent on Service to the Governor 
of a Neutral Port, there was such a want of due honours, that, had 
not the mistake of rank been explained, he certainly would have 
supposed a slight had been intended the Profession, or, in other 
■words, the Nation! ; wliich consequently must have led to serious 
discussion. — An expensive appendage to Uniform must of course 
be guarded against as much as possible : this may be modified 
upon consideration ; it may be plain, and only worn out of the Ship, 
pr on Dress-occasions within, 



138 

Chequers, on boards they make— or Able Wackefs 
A game at Cards, which oft makes noisy rackets, 
As he, poor soul! who, luckless, or wants skill, 
Soon feels a hardly-twisted kerchief thrill 
On his hand's palm ; — the only forfeit this :— 
Nor can one think such stake at all amiss *. 

But, painfully, I owe my maxim, truth, 
To tell that sometimes, sottishly forsooth !, 
There are, who won't be satisfied with cheer 
Allow'd to one, but, cost however dear !, 
They at All-fours, or Chequers, play for grog, 
And, when obtain'd, keep guzzling like the hog ! 
Sill these mad, selfish brutes, are fiU'd with drink, 
That will not let them either stand or think.— 

Conceive now, should but sudden danger press, 
When men are cloth'd thus in a drunkard's dress, 
How is the fearful crisis to be parried ? — 
"O ! things have ever fatally miscarried. 
When worse- than-cursed ! Drunkenness appear'd, 
That vice !, that crime!, at Sea so truly fear'd!-— 
Most dismal ship-wrecks, aye ! and not a few. 
Would ne'er have happen'd to a sober Crew ;— 



» This is a round game, the Author believes peculiar to Ships :— r 
according to circumstances, a loser receives stripes on his hand with 
a hard-twisted handkerchief. — ** Chequers" are Draughts. 



139 

Nor often could have scorching flames devour^lj 

Had not the senseless drunkard fate empower'd.-— 

I shudder, whene'er I reflect at Sea, 

How truly dire the consequence may be,— 

On shore it is a vice we loudly curse ; 

But when at Sea, O! it is ten times worse!!!*— 

As far as strictest discipline can go, 
We from our Frigate's Comp'ny keep this foe ; 
Yet, 'midst three hundred restless, mortal men, 
Some few, we find, will dare the lion's den * ; 
Tho' certain severe punishment attend 
The mad attempt : — Now, Heav'n above forefend 
That such a swiping +, wretched, dang'rous man, 
Amongst our gallant, honest fellows can 
At all be found : — if, alas ! not the case, 
Then sternest justice needs must run its race. 
Let me howe'er anticipation doff", 
*^ Enough for the day is the ill thereof;" — 
And tell you, that the Seamen often seize, 
In their own tops, an interval of ease. 



* Meaning certain unpleasant, if not fatal consequences, for their 
temerity. 

f " Swipes," is a cant term for small-beer ; one who gets drunk 
on this, must certainly be a sot : — but it is applied to any man who is 
in the habit of constantly making himself tuddled (inebriated) by 
whatever liquor. 



140 

To play at Draughts, the constant, fa v' rite game, 
For which they have a very special fame. 
Each here may find amusement for himself, 
Without his staking either grog or pelf; 
As nothing loose must ever be in Tops : 
(For what is not secur'd most surely drops, 
And knocks one on the head, or makes one lame) : 
No Top-men are allow'd to play the game. 
But on a board, cut on the Top's firm floor, 
Which , as you may imagine, is secure. 

Oftentimes, also, those who understand, 
Ingeniously employ a ready hand 
In cutting from a solid block of wood 
The minor Frigate, for a tranquil flood ;~^ 
Sometimes construct her in the self-same manner, 
As e'en establish'd dock-yard builders can her ; 
And rig, and ornament, and cast the gun. 
Just as you do, in fact, the real one. — 
Now^ some young Midshipman, who can aflxjrd, 
Buys it, to form a portion of his hoard 
Of Marine Curiosities for home : — 
A famous good intent of those who roam. 
At times (while to the carving care is paid. 
The watch as dial serving too !) is made 
A most minute resemblance of a clock-case, 
In pleasing miniature, — and no disgrace 



141 

To the neat Births, still further ornamented 
By curious subjects, whimsically painted. 

Thus their time men shut up at Sea employ. 
In forming things of use, and the ingenious toy. — 

But I forget ! — some have for music bent, 
And give their " heav'n-born genius'* constant vent 
In scraping catgut, or on fife or flute. 
Just as it may the present moment suit. — 

Seraphic sounds! from spheres Neptunian, 
Who can describe the dulcet union ! 
Of creaking guns, and groaning masts. 
Whose sails flap deaf 'ning, while it lasts. 
Of dashing waves and bellowing blasts ? — 

Here is a Forte I — for Soprano ! 
For a soft, swelling, sweet Piano ! 
List to the mellifluous sounds 
Of geese, and goats, and pigs, in pounds * ; 
That youngster's shrill, complaining pipe, 
Just as he gets a smarting stripe ; — 
That bagpipe's truly Irish twang ; 
That cask, which hooping coopers bang ; 



* These animals are obliged to be penned up, for fear of their 
being maimed thro' the violent motion of the Ship. — Besides the 
above enumerated stock, there are Ducks and Fowls, indeed Poul- 
try of every description: these are kept in coops, variously situated, 
and confided to the care of a Poulterer, named, according to 
Sea-humour, *' Jemmy Ducks," 



142 

That Scottish reel, on catgut slurring | 
That dismal ditty flutes are burring; 
The Boatswain's Mite's ear-piercing call ; 
That worrying hum which pervades all ! 
Yet, tho' distraction be so very near, 
(Howe'er incredible it may appear,) 
I have combined each anxious, active thought ; 
And gain'd, with utmost ease, the object sought.. 
Custom, that ever sovereign pow'r, prevails, 
And we find no impediment assails. — 
Amidst this chaos, oft a st<)ry-book 
Is, by some scribe *, now become Sailor, took ; 
Who reads with gravity, — say rather, sings, 
A tissue of most wond'rous curious things 
To those around ; all dire, most dire relations, 
Of wild romance, which soon throughout occasions 
Silence profound ! — while all (who hear) imbibe 
(Most seriously, I don't intend to jibe,) 
Fear of, not Satan ^ but a certain devil. 
Of oddest shape, indeed, and most uncivil : - 
Fear of a wandering and moaning ghost. 
Much greater than all Gallia's hostile host ; 
These last may kill, but Mothers kill and roast !!! 



\ 



* Young men who have been apprentices, or under-clerks, pa 
shore, frequently find their way into the Navy, and are thus deno- 
minated. 



143 

Wild superstition's fears affect the Tar, 
More than the horrors of a battle far *. 

Well, now I—I think I have related all 
That we may idle avocations call : 
But there are sports of greater moment found t 
These I will tell of as they may come round : 
Fishing, for instance! I must needs explain; — 
Then, ev'ry way time 's spent upon the Main, 
I shall have told you : — and as to what passes 
When the Ship is in harbour ; Jack courts lasses. 
Tipples and jigs, until, of cash no more, 
He jumps into his boat, and quits the shore: 
Or, if momentous service won't permit 
One of the busy Crew a Ship to quit ; 
Nor even my friend Jack his fav'rite lass, 
Her precious time on board with him to pass ! 
Then ever, on the unemploy'd Sunday +, 
To visit other Men-of-War he may; 



* Lest however a too general supposition should be raised of the 
superstition of Sailors, it is but right to say, that it is chiefly coh- 
fined to old men. 

\ Nothing but the utmost urgency occasions working on Sunday : 
—it is a day set apart for rest, peculiar neatness, and church service; 
after which the men are allowed to visit each other through the 
Fleet, but not go on shore from the Ships they visit— I mean, if th^ 
Service will not permit it 



144 

And take a spell at chat with an old friend 5 
Until his Officers may for him send. 

I trust I need not say, that thus I would 
Be by my kind Peruser understood ; 
Namely, that what IVe mention'd is gone thro', 
Not all at oncc.^ but as it takes the Crew !!! 

Our Captain does his leisure moments spend 
In what should be '^ our being's aim and end," 
In all professions, — " trying to acquire 
** Such knowledge as all cases most require." 
He who continues to this maxim true, 
Will find in Naval Science something new. 
Attentive genius will for ever find 
Things badly plann'd, of undigested kind. 
To rectify ; much left him to discover 
Of his profession, be he but a lover. — 
The best step tow'rds this, (first premising will,) 
Is all the leisure hours t' unbend, and fill 
With useful study^ and with pleasing break, 

Proper to sharpen wit, and for health's sake 

Thus thought our Captain, who had from the shore 
Brought sev'ral books, fill'd with much useful lore. 

As Ships for action ever must be clear, 
Things of essential use alone appear; — 
Therefore, the bulk of package to decrease, 
The Captain would not have, but simply these; 



145 

'* Encyclopedia," latest, and complete, 
Likewise that never-failing " Naval treat," 
By greatly-honour'd '^ Clarke, of Eldon," written 
(Such kind of Treatise should be ne*er omitten, 
When a Sea Officer forms his Collection; 
His merits well, indeed, the first selection.) — 
Perhaps some do not go at all too far, 
When they ascribe the very glorious war, 
We've made, and make at Sea (since it came out, 
Must be allow'd past any sort of doubt), 
To the home facts, in this book so well stated :— 
If they are right, it surely should be rated 
Really a Treasure ! — and if it is so, 
No Naval Officer without should go *. 
Now, I believe, it truly doth appear 
Our Tars did run a very brave career, 
In the East Indies ; yet 'tis known, the foe 
Did ever much superior Science show ; 
So that our batter'd Ships, tho' ne'er retreating, 
Yet had, to every intent, a beating ! — 
Could such a circumstance but happen now, 
How abjectly would Naval honour bow!!! — • 



* The Author is aware that there are Instructions on Naval Tac- 
tics given to every Captain of a Man-of-War; — ^but they are neces- 
sarily concise, while Clarke is extremely copious in explanations and 
deductions. 



146 

The time was, when Suffrien led on the foe, 
Oppos'd by our Sir Edward Hughes, you know; — 
— Since then, tho' Frenchmen %ht by Sea as well 
As in them is, — ^yet how much we excel!! — 
Rodney judiciously first broke the line, 
Since, in that feat, how many Heroes shine ! 
What Chiefs have since, witli dazzling splendour shone, 
What matchless deeds of war have since been done!!! 

In wars of old, with the hard-fighting Dutch, 
This great manoeuvre was effected much, 
But scarcely ever, with a due foresight ; 
It was thought quite enough, to fiercely fight. 
This made a perfect chaos of a Battle, 
Ships being jumbled like a herd of cattle ; — 
While frequently both life and Ship were lost, 
To the dear-paying, suffering Nation's cost. 

Now Naval Tactics grace the skilful Chief, 
Who gives to life, and purse, immense relief : 
Our En€7mes now pay the fearful strife, 
TVe scarcely lose a Ship, or dearer life ! — 

So much for Clarke : — fair be thy well-earn'd fame ! 
Ever remember'd be thy useful name! 

The " Elements of Robertson'* are good; 
They should be ever rightly understood : — 
Perhaps it may be reckoned the best book 
Mathematicians ever undertook, 



147 

To well convey to Youth the just foundation 
Of Princ'ples, on which, rests Navigation. 
It is a great deal more select thin " M jore ;" 
Tho' even this melange, you may secure, 
As you may glean from thence a useful hint; 
But to a gleaning,— mind you ! merely stint; 
It is but a skimming over weighty thinsfs. 
And from a fundamental knowledge flings; — 
If you are deeply vers'd in the foandation, 
hei whatever a thwarting chance occasion, 
Still you with ease, at any time, may find 
A remedy in point : — if 'tis of kind, 
That human wisdom can at all surmount — 
On the desir'd success, you then may count ;-— 
Not like the man, who, if his book he lose, 
Has no more wisdom, than his own old shoes! 
Who as a parrot, knows a thing by rote, — 
But wh^ and whereforr^ not one single note. 

The " Art of Seamanship" may be acquired 
(That is to say, a Theory desir'd) 
From a few authors, who have written well; — 
The best indeed, 'tis perhaps hard to tell : 
Tho' useful rules, by books, may be exprest 
An actual practice here, is far, far best f! I— 

Of good books hitherto there's been much dearth ; 
But now, 'tis said, that some, of greater worth, 

l2 



148 

Are to be met with : — these, we may expect. 

Some thorough Seaman will ere long inspect, 

And then not hesitate to fairly mention, 

Which they may think deserve the most attention. 

'Tis better e'er to buy the very best^ 

From fear that you may have to unkarrij lest ! 

Writers of late years muster somewhat strong ; 
And there are, to our happy Isles belong, 
Entitled well to thanks and to applause. 
For much good service to Britannia's cause : 
These, have their time and labour nobly spent 
For the rever'd, the truly great intent ! 
Of that, exploding, which bore 'gainst the Tar, 
And did his comfort and his glory mar» — 
None can a bless'd improvement ever date. 
Until some first of all the evil state.— 
He, who is of a just Reform a lover. 
Must first of all, I wot!, the ill discover. 

So much for certain Authors : to be brief— 
BttiTAiN has also found many a Chief 
To profit from an able, candid pen. 
And cha«je from forth her noxious filthy den, 
That ever-blighting fiend, ycleped Error ! 
Blasted!, expell'd! by Truth's refulgent mirror. 

Well!, of these remarks the total sura. 
Is, that a favour'd Naval aera's come, 



149 

Indeed quite brilliant ! — thanks to publication, 

And those who profited by the occasion.— 

A Book, iutitled " Naval Architecture," 

Had too come out; but then a mere conjecture 

Of its full merits could alone be made 

By our Chief,— from report,-^tho* he had bade 

A friend to send him ev'ry kind of book 

At which a Nayal man of sense might look 

Without disgust, and in its pages find 

Something he might extract of useful kind : — 

He had not yet procur*d it; so of course 

It were not right, the merits to enforce; 

Or of another, call'd *' A useful Treatise 

" Of Seamanship, the Elements and Practice;" 

Such a performance he bad heard spoke well of, 

Yet could he not the real merits tell of, 

Not having seen it ; — ^but e fully meant, 

Whene'er he could, to have it on board sent. 

He had " Mac Arthur, on the Sea Court- Martial;' 

AUow'd an useful work, and quite impartial. — 

A '^ Vade Mecum," full of Rules essential. 

To shape all Forms and Bills, not confidential, 

I mean on public Maritime routine, 

To swerve from which, none must be ever seen ; 

The last Edition — consequently best, 

As the encomiums of wise heads attest. 



150 

And now a G'ography, " Guthrie on large scale," 
Shall terminate, (I fear) the tedious detail. 
That is tho', — mind !, of such a Library 
As a man, to Sea alone, can carry, — 
But other subjects must in truth be read, 
Before hopes rationally can be fed 
Of having that well-stqr'd, illumin'd mind. 
Which raises you so much above jour kind; 
Such as in Nelson !, we so dazzling find. 

But just for one short moment stop, I pray ! 
Our Captain had too the '' Manoeuvrier ;" 
That truly scientific French essay : 
For he that language, in perfection had 
Been made to study, when a youngster lad. 

And now, to sum up, — if I may presume, 
A Chief should have (for he has always room) 
Such Books as are of most essential kind: — 
Not so with other Officers, pray mind ! 
Lieutenants, Midshipmen, however prone. 
Cannot by any means such numbers own : 
However they may wish good Books to trace, 
Still, on board Men-of-War, there is not space. 

Yet there is one thijig one may recommend, 
Namely, that Parents to .their Children send 
The " Naval Chronicle,"— that sort of Book, 
In whose good pages. Youth has but to look ; 



151 

When his aspiring mind can never fail 

A sterling Naval Spirit to inhale^ 

As there he'll find, each brave illustrious Tar 

Himself recites his noble deeds of war : 

No Fiction ! — ^but th* official !, real letter !, 

Than flatt'ring, fab'lous volumes how much better!!!* 



* Meaning, that, in addition to much pleasing, useful, and ani- 
mating matter, unofficial !, Gazette accounts are faithfully detailed. 
The Author disclaims the idea of naming this, and other books, for 
the sake of their Writers ; — he knows not one of them, except through 
their Works ; which he has not the presumption to recommend from 
his own conception of their value, but because he has seen them in 
the possession of, and heard them approved by, some of the first 
Officers in the Navy: — his motive for recapitulating them is, to 
point out what the Author believes to be esteemed a fit Library for 
a Sea Officer, when possible ! — if not, a Book of Rules for Naviga- 
tion (with Tables) and Seamanship, must answer the purpose: — 
certainly, for such an end, " Moore's Book" is the most general. — 
The fullest Encyclopedia is recommended, as containing a Library ! 
within itself, and when out of the reach of one, as on foreign stations, 

of course invaluable ! But the great desideratum appears to be — 

a set of books on the scale of Clarke, (intended as accompaniments,) 
treating in a comprehensive, perspicuous manner upon the Theory 
and Practice of every Branch of Naval Science and Literature. — 
These should be bound up as compact as the nature oi the work 
would admit, and might be named either a '* Naval Cyclopeaia," 
or " Naval Portable Library." — Such a work (the execution appro- 
ved of by competent judges, an indispensable requisite) would, it is 
thought, be very deiirable to the Navy in general, and be the rueans 
of producing an insight into Theory, equal to the French officers of 
old, and keeping pace with our own consummate practice ; which, 
however it may precede the other in consequence, should ever be 
accompanied by it, as it assures, improves' and, at times, creates: — 
for, perfect as we are in precedental practice, yet, in a Service like 



152 

To keep the mind, as well as body, sane, 
'Tis useful to, at timei, amuse the brain ; — 
The Captain, therefore, oftentimes displays 
His taste in Music, by harmonious lays. — 
In this sweet science he is not deficient ; 
Some of the Gun-room Officers are proficient ; 
Agreeably in this, such gladly choose, 
At times, an invitation to amuse 
Themselves and Captain in his spacious Cabin, 
With also, of the Band the Leader, Slabin ; — 
A Dutchman taken in a prize, 
And who for fated Holland sighs : 
But Holland, not as now, enslav'd : 

Sooner than be by foes thus brav'd, 

■ '« ' ' , ■ I . 

the Navy, unprecedented events will occur ; when the value of Sci- 
ence must appear in discovering means to meet them. — ^This Work 

might be purchased in Ships by Subscription. While on a subject 

of the kind, it may be thought worth observing, that if (as under the 
old JRfgiWc in France) an *' Atlas" could be allowed our Men-of-War, 
in charge of the Captain, but for the inspection of all Officers, it 
would be a most useful appendage ! — At present, even the Midship- 
man, out of his little modicum, is obliged to purchase Charts, in 
case of being sent in Prizes, many of which (particularly French 
coasters) have none. — Indeed, as the Atlas should never be taken 
from the Ship, if a certain number of Charts, selected by a Board, 
could be furnished Officers on first going to Sea only, to be made 
good in all cases but capture, fire, or shipwreck, and lodged, on « 
Ship's being paid off, in an Office, it would save their pockets, 
insure proper Charts being used by ^iie Navy, and be little more 
than a first expence. — Captains might issue theiu when Midshipmen 
lire competent to the use. 



15S 

The sad Musician quits his land, 
And e'en prefers an alien strand :— 
Hence arose our little Band. 
Th(i Captain, of the head possest, 
Finds some who have for music zest 
Amount his Crew ; these soon are taught 
The drum and fife ; and others sought. 
With a more perfect knowledge fraught. — 
These from a Guard-ship are obtain'd, 
Or from the shore, by money, gain'd ; 
So that a little, mellow Band 
Plays, while we are by zephyrs fann'd ; 
And when at Quarters we parade, 
Thro' this, it is by all hands said, 
" Ours ! is the truly happy Bark;" 
And Doxies echo the remark *. 
But the Concert in the Cabin, 
At which attends my poor friend Slabin, 
Is not of Music Military ; — 
You may suppose it is contrary. — 



♦ Many Men-of-War have extremely pleasing Bands ; these, and 
social unanimity on board, procure them the emphatic title of 
Happy ! ; — " O ! that's a happy Barky !" — ^The story of the Dutch- 
man is a fact ; as indeed, 1 m#tyremind my Reader, the whole of 
the Anecdotes are throughout the Work, Namqs alone being ficti- 
tious. 



154 

The Captain plays a violin, 

Our Surgeon one of the same kin; 

Si.ABiN a fine-ton'd violoncello. 

And Sandy Mayne a fiute full mellow.— 

'' Sandy cam fra 'onest Terth, 

'^ A cannie lad, o' mickle worth !" 

'Twas he commanded the Marine, 

And was to duty keenly keen ; — 

Well read!, kind-hearted!, loyal!, brave!, 

Tho', for the world, perhaps, too grave ! 

His feelings, often too acute. 

Made him on certain subjects mute ; 

While others gave to wit full scope, 

Poor Sandy would in darkness grope ; 

That is, he never could enjoy 

A wit wliich had the least alloy ; 

He could not jest sarcastic! bear. 

For he himself would ever spare ; 

But when need bade, retort he dare!!! — 

The Surgeon had, in his profession, 
Made a most truly good progression. 
Cambria's soil he call'd his own. 
Coming from old Carmarthen town. 

His family of course was old ; 
For who could be so very bold 



155 

As to call a Lloyd a Modern ? 

He who'd dare, would curses odd earn.— 

Yet tho' he had propinquity 

To very i^reat antiquity. 

And was of Ancients the most staunch ; 

He was not of the elder branch, 

And consequently was not rich, 

Alt ho' he had for pelf an itch. 

But then it was in noble fashion, 

By no means yclep'd " worldly passion :" — 

Had he possess'd but more of this, 

He need not e'er have shewn his phiz 

In the low Cockpit's dark abyss* : 

Had he but bow'd, and cring'd, and ap'd. 

He might have much more money scrap'd ; 

But nothing could his spirit bend, 

Or make him from the Man descend : 

Yet, through high blood, he was uncivil. 

Testy, capricious, aye the devil, 

If you but spoke of Cambria, evil. 

He appear'd somewhat penurious, 

Tho', as said, far from usurious: 

* " The Cuckpit" is a part of the Ship under water:— iiiere the 
Surgeon sees the l^ick every day (those capable ot leaving taeir 
births) ; —attends the wounded in action; — and, in Line~of-battle 
•Ships, has his Cabin, as have his Assistants. 



156 

In spite of all his true Welch bile, 
" He*d help a lame dog o'er the stile." 
His Parents liv'd to have him taught 
What the most useful was, they thought, — 
Such as, to cypher, read, write, spell, 
All which he soon did passing well. — 
They died : — a most unfeeling Brother, 
By no means of his kin a lorer. 
Succeeded to the old estate, 
While 'twas our Shenkin Lloyd's sad fate. 
For some time on this wretch to wait ; 
And, had he known to bow, and cringe. 
His ev'ry smile and accent hinge 
On the unfeeling, purse-proud great, 
I should not now have to relate 
That Lloyd is honest !, Lloyd is here !, 
And to his Shipmates truly dear !!! 

His proper spirit soon revolting, 
At being thus at board a-halting ; 
With vile dependency his lot, 
Determines him to play the Scot ; 
And with, for native soil, a sigh !, 
In strangers' land his fortune try : 

A youth he is, now just sixteen, 
And five long years yet stand between 



157 

Him and a poor two-hundred pounds, 

Left by his Parents : — how that sounds ! 

Compared with what falls to the other, 

Th' unfeeling, sordid, elder Brother ! — 

Guardians, however, undertake 

Of this the charge, for friendship-sake, 

The best thing Parents did indeed I, 

And which the youth stood much in need. — 

Before the heavy-hearted lad 

Bade friends adieu ! advice he had, 

From his kind Guardians ; which pursuing, 

Much good to him, might be accruing. 

Because the youth had been brought up, 
Midst sects made of fanatic stuff, 
He could not thoughts of War endure, 
(Tho' soon experience made a cure). 
One Guardian strengthened this his mind ; 
But then a bloodless state to find !, 
He rack'd his dull, but friendly brains, 
Until, at length, the point he gains. — 
A friend he had at Aberg'enny, 
Who turn*d a very pretty penny, — 
Not by deadly balls !, but pills ! 
Sovereign resource in human ills !!!— 
(Conscience^ howe'er, he had in Bills;) 



158 

This Curer, not of soul but sinner^ 

Rather than preachy would go to dinner ^'■^ 

In a blunt, but a manly way, 

He would his thoughts at all times say; 

For as to canting, no ! — he loath'd 

The wolf, in sheep's mild coatmg cloth 'd !!! 

Yet he was fond of mother Church, 
And some folks thought, left in the lurch ; 
His useful soul could never be , 

With these, Lloyd's Guardian did agree ; 
Therefore to this Apothecary, 
He would advise his ward to carry 
From him a good recommendation ; 
And when once laid was the foundation, 
'T were his own fault, did he not gain, 
Celebrity, and pelf, amain. 

The youth, with gratitude opprest, 
Strains to his yearning, throbbing breast 
The good old man ; — and then sets out, 
Upon the wide world's mazy route : 
He's well receiv'd ! ; becomes at once 
Young Galen, — and no stupid dunce. — 
His five years quickly pass away ; 
And now being come th' eventful day, 
That gives him his two-hundred pounds, 
What 's best to do ? — He's puzzled — Zounds ! 



159 

He'll go to London, dask, and so : — 
But, cool, his reason whispers, No ! — 
If you to London go, and dash, 
'T will be most ruinously rash ; — 
Advice, you know, has turn'd out well ; 
Try it again, — ask friends, — they'll tell. 

He good advice again receives, — 
His master gives it, while he grieves.— 
Shenkin knows (and knew), the fact isj 
His master's son must have the practice. 
Therefore, of course, for Shenkin Lloyd 
To set up here, would have been void 
Of sense and gratitude : the how 
He ought to do^ I'm telling now : 
His friend, who means his good, informs 
That, if he dreads not foes or storms, 
He must in London city first, 
Indulge a real, useful thirst 
In study ; — practise oft dissection ; — 
Attend the Lecturer's Direction : 
Tho' oeconomic, he must pay, 
His fund can't go a better way : 
Thus, if attentive, he'll become 
A clever Sur«;^eon, 'fore his sum 
Is quite expended ; and then soon 
He may attain the souglit-for boon, — 



160 

Videlicet y a Situation, 

To serve himself!, his King !, and Nation ! :— 
— A Surgeon's place, — where he may cure 
The gallant Tar : — sure this is pure ! 
Aye !, pure as principle can be. 
And suited to a mind as free. 
As moral, but then mortal, man 
Can e'er possess, or wish for can. 
(This worthy man, 't is meet I say, 
Did once, in his profession's way, 
Practise at a naval sea-port. 
Whence he does their language oft court.) 
Lloyd's self now thought, a future bliss 
Could be attain'd, without a phiz 
Stampt with such wond'rous sanctity ; 
Conceiv'd, at last, that nations free 
Must, to procure security. 
Be closely cas'd in warriors' steel, 
That foes mayn't '' hit them in the heel." 
The carcase might as wisely say, 
Discard the steel !, altho' away 
It keepeth death ; — as people cry, 
" Away with Armies !, — Fleets ! ;" — to die 
Being, in either case, a fate : 
I scarce have patience here to state : — 



l6l 

"But then, you know, there's discipline! 

" Now answer, if you can, I ween, 

" How can you ever reconcile 

" This to a gentlemanly style ?" — 

Oho! young Shenkin ; what, you smile! — 

This made the friendly Master warm : 

— If, sir !, to keep you free from harm, 

A portion of yourselves must arm ; 

It would be worse than madness surely, 

Not to perform it most securely. 

You see how slaves excel in war : 

Now, altho' semblance you abhor, 

Yet you must never all things condemn, 

Unless you would be conquer'd by them ; 

And let their furious war-train'd bands 

Rush, like a torrent, o'er your lands; 

Which es''ry Sect'ry must implore 

God may avert from Albion's shore. 

Remember then, I pray, the fable : 

" Thou dotard ! do but what you're able, 

" And you will surely turn the table ; 

" Don't whine, and take it thus to heart, 

•' Because in ditch is got your cart; 

•' Become a man ! exert your strength !" 

'Tis done ! — out conies the cart at length !!!— ~ 

M 



162 

Thus, we must conquer stupid pining. 
Vile sophistical cant and whining ; 
And have, like foes, a well-form*d band 
To keep Invasion from the land : 
Or, if they do set feet on shore, 
That they may move but one step more ; — 
That is, to Death !!!— Well, thus take heart. 
And clear we get Britannia's cart ! 

Now, I should fancy all must know, 
Aye ! and the Methodist also *, 
That no arm'd force, could e'er be made, 
Without such laws as reason bade. — * 

* By "Methodist" is meant, any Seceder from the Church of Eng- 
land, (it cannot of course inculcate such principles,) who, through 
religious misinterpretation, would paralyse the efforts of the Country 
in Defence or Oifence, if such are the means of securing a lasting 
Peace (which, during a war like the present, there can be no doubt 

of). Patriotic and worthy as ver>' many of the Seceders are 

known to be ; yet the Author has himself witnessed the pernicious 
effects produced on weak minds, by the mistaken doctrines of a fa- 
natical few. — -An endeavour to depress the spirit of Defence and Of- 
fence against the destroyers of Religion, and, if they could, of our 
Nation, coming from those professing an enthusiasm for both, seems 
such incredible folly, that we would regard them as idiots ', with a 
sensation partaking of doubt !, pity !, and contempt ! ; was it not for 

the mischief they occasion. A monkey will tear a leaf from our 

most sacred Book, and throw it m the fire! ;— but we feel no ab- 
horrence, — it is not impiety in the ignorant animal ; but we feel the 
loss just the same, and therefore correct him for the mischief: — So 
with zealots and fanatics ; the harm is great !, though the actors 
are contemptible ! — Correction to such becomes therefore necessary, 
being the only method of stopping the evil. 



165 

Reason !— that is, necessity ! 
This, altho' less of liberty, 
Is to preserve it !, most agree. 

(I will not now expatiate 
Upon the Military State ; — 
You'll find it, what you will not hate.) 

Now, these laws form the Martial Code, 
By no means an oppressive load, 
And when enforc'd, is Discipline : — 
The upshot of the whole is seen 
To be, in my mind, this distinction, 
*^ By Arras, you keep us from extinction H! " — ■ 

But let me well be understood ; 
Deep I deplore to wade thro' blood. 
Dire War will shed ; — ^^ yet, when 'tis meet, 
" Let us the dreadful subject greet, 
*' As Britons should — stretch ev'ry nerve ! 
" And purpose! may our Country serve !!! " 

Say now !, with all your proud descent, 
Is this not gentlemanly/ bent ? 
You would not ever brook dependance, 
But let your spirit have ascendance. 

To earn your living, without favour, 
You car'd not for my shop's bad savour; 
I !, was your Master : — in the Navy, 
You have King !, Country !, and Old Davy ! 

M 2 



164 

In short, you serve a noble cause, 

And serve yourself, — say, can you pause I 

Stopping a moment, he employ'd 
His eyes to probe the heart of Lloyd; 
'Twas full ! — he saw no restless void. 

" Friend, he exclaims, you are a lad 
'^ Shrinking, I see, from all things bad ; 
^' But you are young, and in the world, 
^' Many a doctrine will be hurl'd 
'' At inexperienc'd Innocence ; 
" Therefore I cannot now dispense 
" With saying what may shield your heart, 
" And make you act a British part. " — 

He pauses— grasps Lloyd's willing hand. 
Who can his feelings scarce command ; 
A tear stands trembling in his eyes, 
As the good Doctor precepts tries 
T' inculcate, with a gen'rous heat. 
Like worthy patriots, wlio intreat 
Exertion in their Country's cause ; 
Assistance to uphold her laws. — 

Thus then he spoke : — O ! look around, 
And tell me where such joys are found. 
As in our Country ! — say, what Nation 
Is in so proud a situation ? — 



} 



165 

Tell me \, amidst the storms of fate. 

Who has such cause to be elate ? — 

Have we not, with a well-set sail, 

Weather'd as yet the furious gale. 

Which has, thro' sad* mismanagement. 

So many others sunk, or rent ? 

Are we not now as lit to swim ? 

Nay!, — are we not in better trim? 

Masters supreme we 're of the Seas, 

With powW to keep the rule of these ; 

Till, the gale's fury once but o'er, 

We may with safety seek the shore. 

A gale, we know, when at its height, 

Must in due course again grow light : 

Then let us trust the stormy Deep, 

Rather than on the lee-shore keep, 

In hopes a quiet port to gain : — 

The danger's less upon the Main!!! — 

Let us then firmly, patiently await. 

Nor, for a moment's ease, entail a wTetched fate !!!- 

Have we not got a worthy King ! 

And will not merit often bring 

The lowliest man up to the top 

Of rank and riches ? — Where's the stop 

To each one's doing as he likes ? 

If only his behaviour strikes 



166 

Not at the peace of all! — Then say. 
Is not this worth retaining, pray ?-- 
Whence now arises all this good ? 
Whence have we such assaults withstood ? 

From the most perfect institution, 
Man ever form'd,— our Constitution l!!-~ 

1 am a plain, but honest man, 
With sense enough, I hope, to scan 
And trace the motives of a foe. 
Most dang'rous to our overthrow. — 
No Frenchman, Spaniard, Dutchman, Dane; 
No! — 'mongst our selves^ we find the bane. — 
H^re is the danger!, dearest Lloyd ! — 
Think for yourself, and such avoid : 
These miscreants, mouthing Liberty, 
Mean but the worst of iyr^miy ! — 
Judge for yourself! — They say, our King 
L but a shred !, a patch'd-up thing ! ; 
Id other words, humane !, and mild ! ; 
Wliy, 'tis enough to vex a child.— 
Wh^t woul'i they have? — a fierce Despot!-^ 
For4his such words 'ir.ply, I wot. 
Well, then ! — those men who must be seen, 
To 2uide the pooiFvous State-machine, 
As tn a Parish, ivl'ece, you know, 
There must be stations high and low i 



167 

Or in a Ship, — which ne'er can steer. 
Unless her proper Chiefs appear. 
Well ! — such J sooth !, must be done away ;— 
Now what I think on this I'll say. 
That man, who partners will disown. 
Must, what? — why he must rule alone Ill- 
Like Bonaparte, have but knaves 
Most vile, dependent, impious slaves ; 
Not such as our Britannia boasts, 
Who guide her Helm, and fill her Posts ; 
Men of patriotic spirit. 
Wealthy, and of solid merit ! 
Dependent on no Tyrant's frown. 
But such as will their tenets own : 
Now, as I said, do these away, 
And you fall under one man's sway : 
For swa^ there must be, or we fall, 
" Ruin'd past hope," both great and small Ill- 
Then strange ideas of Liberty ! 
Why they abuse Equality ! 
Equality of Right ! I mean. 
Such as is in our Country seen ; 
" The Right to rise i"— -however highj __ 
If we but proper means apply,—. 
Why, sir !, one dreadftil fault they find 
Is, that men of every kind 



168^ 

May reach high rank from poverty ; 

Then they must Mushrooms forsooth be I 

The greatest beauty of our State 

These outrageous sophists rate.— 

To think !, because a man is poor. 

That he must still his state endure ; 

Nor e'er gain rank, or he'il be priz'd 

A Mushroom ! — epithet despis'd !— 

^' O Liberty ! in thy bless'd name, 

^' What pranks are play'd, what deeds of shame !!! " 
Then Taxes are an imperfection, 

We are arriv'd at such perfection!!! 

But are they gods ! or angels !, pray, 

Who do such mighty tidings say ? — 

Speaking in the comparative, 

D— n me if we have cause to grieve.— 

Nor can we change this irksome statCj 

(If 'tis) until decreed by fate, 

The peopled world shall cease to hate!!! 

They tell you, they'll remove the evil, 
I'd just as soon believe the devil ; 
The very one, call'd in by France, 
Him who still drives so foul a dance. 

Men who can trumpet forth such stuffy 
Remind me of the Quacks who puiF; 



169 

Both dwell upon each sad decease; 
All which, alas ! stern fate decrees — 
And, as they tell us, " Now you feel 
^' Such painful pangs, or sickness steal;" 
All cry at once, We feel it surely ! 
But, pray, how can you make us purely ? 

'' Why, put some money in the hat, 
" And then, good people, take you that!" 

— We ipay ! — the balsam then we try ; 
Too late we find, we sooner die !!! 

Had we to wise physicians 'tended. 
Our state in time would have been mended. 
Due regimen, and proper diet, 
No agonies of mind, but quiet ; 
With now and then, to nature aid, 
Would have our patience well repaid. 
Follow but e'er advice so sage, 
And you'll attain a good old age ! — 
Not like the man, of whom they tell, 
" That he was very fairly well, 
" Wish'd to be better, and so tried 
^' Physic ; by which, alack !, he died !!! " 

Thus did this warm-hearted man, 
Those loyal embers try to fan, 
He found in Lloyd, and as the snare 
Which factious Jacobins prepare, 
He thus divulg'd, for Quacks he did not care. 



170 

Well, here now Shenicin's ancient bloody 
As some opinion 'd, did him good ; 
For it produc'd this noble spirit 
" To take advice, and try the merit 
" Of what he heard :"— -but his own heart 
Did of the truth no doubt impart^. 



* The Author trusts the foregoing sentiments need no elucida- 
tion : — on that part, however, which advances the integrity of Bri- 
tish Ministers, generally speaking, he begs to offer a remark or two. 
What is said thereupon, has no kind of reference to any particular 
Administration ; it attachies equally to every one England has had, 
ever since Magna Charta. — The best proofs of this, are the gradual 
steps made by the Country towards prosperity, to that high rank in 
the world which enables it at this moment to combat such immense 
odds: — but, to suppose there have not been men amongst them 
ambitious and venal, would be to imagine what never yet has been ; 
—namely, " perfection in mankind/' — This, howerer, cannot de- 
stroy the general merit of British Governors. — If we compare them 
with others, my God ! how spotless they seem ! — Is it the despotic 
Ruler of France, and his agents, who nobly abstain from lavishing 
the substance of the people ? — Did the sons of Equality, who pre- 
ceded him, after their outcry against the corruption, ambition, and 
oppression of the government they overturned, wash their hands of 
deeds they pretended to reprobate ? — Did they not, on the contrary, 
imbue them in murder, rapine, tyranny, and ambition, to an extent 
mankind could hardly be thought capable of? — Or are we to con- 
ceive, that a nest of similar needy, desperate, unprincipled wretches, 
to be found in this country (and in every other), would be such im- 
maculate patriots as neither to pay themselves, or their creatures, 
from the purses of their fellow-citizens? — Strange paradox! that 
those who protest against despotism, should be so inveterate against 
a Constitution, aflfording more rational liberty and security than any 
other on the face of the earth. — If, after what has passed in France, 
men are to be found amongst U3 t© credit such assertions, there is 



171 

Thro' real worth and perseverance, 
Fortune at length blinks an appearance. 
A former peace had him, good lack !, 
Thrown in Promotion sadly back : 
He's now full forty, but his Ship 
Is a right good one, and the trip 
Bids fair to get Dame Fortune on the hip. 

Now, how our Surgeon learnt to fiddle, 
I will in few words just unriddle. 
A genius he had for the harp ; 
For lack of % was at fiddle sharp.-^ 
In peace he did this genius mend, 
3y good instruction from a friend. 

As for our cannie Sandy Mayne, 
He had instructions often ta'en, 
(As frequently the Captain had,) 
When at his home, a youngster lad. 



but one way of accounting for it ; — that Providence, for some in- 
scrutable but wise purpose, has stricken them with the calamity of 
idiotism ! — Let us beware of change ! Let the independent sense of 
the Nation support a legitimate, and (at this crisis so loudly called for) 
frm Executive Government ! Let them also support an Opposition, 
that safeguard to the Constitution!!!, — while it watches over and 
checks excesses in the former, — but not when it clogs the wheels 
of Government, and destroys the energies of the Country : — and, 
above all, let us take care lest, in seeking that insidiously-applied 
word, that will-o'the-wisp. Perfection !, — we do not fall into the^pit, 
whence we rise no more !!! 



172 

Poor Slabin ! was a great adept. 
And he of course no secrets kept. 
In knowledge musical, to self; — 
For why ? — he touch'd the Captain's pelf! 

Thus then this Concert was so pleasing, 
It would not be to judges, teazing; 
It pass'd at Sea some heavy hours, 
Whose gloominess the tentiper sours.— 
But here, I must not make omission, — 
To enter none had e'er permission, 
(Being first ask'd of course) but those, 
Who had throughout the night to doze; 
Which but the Surgeon, Purser, Chaplain, 
And Marine Officer ever attain : 
T' others must pay such strict attention 
To the Ship, as needs makes prevention. 
This is most truly necessary. 
Nor can a Captain act contrary. 

At times you find a game at Cards, 
A social few in Cabin wards 
From that well known fiend Ennui /, 
Which will intrude sometimes at Sea. — 
Often too, after eating supper. 
They sit an hour or two on crupper : 
But I must aye and all premise, 
Each one to rest, in due time hies. 



173 

Slabin retires, when fiddles cease, 

The rest eat, drink, and sing, if t please; 

Our Chaplain then will join in song-. 

To whom both taste, and voice belong ; 

In this he d'-eaded nof derision, 

Altho' yclep'd the '' Soul's Physician :"— 

He was not young, but hale and pleasant, 

From Communion no recusant. — 

He had great knowledge of Mankind, 

And said, this maxim true you'd find: 

'^ If you would Morals e'er correct, 

" Never do come in terrors deckt ; 

*^' But pleasantly and friendly shine, 

^' And precept with kind mirth combine." 

It seem'd to him, th' Almighty will, 

That nature should be nature still ; 

That it should triumph o'er the means 

By which the fanatic oft weans 

Man from himself, — spreads wild delusion, 

Till nature is throughout illusion. — 

If true : — that simple Innocence 

Is nature's real, pure essence ; 

Then she must be truly cheerful ; 

Innocence cannot be fearful ! 

But instantly this disappears. 

When the fanatic's haggard fears 



174 

Influence the tortur'd mind, 

So lately of the happiest kind. 

Yet will chaste Nature's own enamel 

Shine forth in spite of all this trammel !— 

To get it to its pristine state, 

You must the mortal's mind elate 

With pleasing hope ! not wan despair !— 

By means insensible, with care 

Reform the mind ; 

Don't it in far worse shackles bind ! 

Such shackles as must enervate, 

And sink the mind to the most wretched state !!! 

Now I must declare, the fact is 
Our Chaplain prov'd this true in practice. 
He was, I fancy, orthodox. 
And yet no pleasant pastime shocks 
The holy man ; his constant bent, 
Was to give honest pleasure vent *. 



* The Author hopes to be understood, that though he conceives 
infinitely too much blame is attached to nature, yet he is far from 
supposing the state in which we are born, perfect ;— it would be to 
deny the authenticiiiy of the Scriptures! — Doubtless, we inherit evil 
propensities from our first parents, but not to the extent some ima- 
gine ; — at all events, the power given us of discriminating between 
'' right and wTong," by the enlightened religion we profess, form, 
it may be termed, a ^^ Second Nature;" through the merits of our- 
Saviour, and an observance of His Ordinances, we ought to be 
nolo innocent ! and happy ! 



175 

A game at Whist was his delight; 
But Gambling ever shock 'd his sight : 
I told you he prov'd oft in song, 
That tune and taste did him belong: 
Yet would he never, 'fore his face, 
Suffer a song could e'er disgrace. — 
He was a Sportsman, — went to plays, — 
But yet in neither, vice betrays : 
The first has surely much defence ; 
Nor has the last a want of sense : 
Neither produc'd an evil palling. 
Towards his sacred, holy Calling Ill- 
Why, he would laugh, and joke, and smoke 
And often give a youth a poke .* 
This to produce some little fun, 
Which he with Youngsters oft begun. 
He drank, but not to ebriate, 
Tho' sometimes he might be elate. 
Perhaps the reason some mayn't know,. 
And yet I say 'twas even so, 
This Parson was a favourite 
With Officers and Crew, to wit. 
Maybe you'll say, he's fit for Sea ; 
But as for shore, we can't agree : 
All, 1 am sure, that I can say, 
Is, he was brought up in this way. 



176 

The Captain's father had a knowledge 
Of him, when a young man at College: 
He afterwards such merit had, 
Tliat the same truly worthy Dad 
To him such a fancy had ta'en, 
As to make him his own Chaplain : 
And 'fore long had him enlisted, 
(Not being in the least resisted,) 
To educate in part his Sons, 
Who were not wish'd to turn out Huns. 
He lov'd them all, but most our Chief, 
From whom he parted with much grief. 
But when a Frigate once was gain'd, 
His heart such yearnings still maintain'd, 
He could not check the keen emotion, 
Until his pupil, on the Ocean, 
Gladly receiv'd him; and the parent 
Indulg'd with joy such love inherent. — 
When worthy, polish'd men approve, 
Why mayn't the like all people move ? — 

In right-down, honest, open truth, 
I think this man is of much worth, — 
Attempting to convert is chaste 
I grant him, — of good time no waste. 
If fruitless ! ---let each have his taste! 



177 

But mind ! he did not mean to say 5 

That British Rulers always may 

Let visionary minds have sway j 

He thought, in things, they should control. 

Which would at all affect the whole, 

In peace of mind ! — he warmly said, 

That if a minister, afraid 

Of losing popularity. 

Here but a mobish infamy ! — 

Did not most vigorously rush, 

The factious wretches straight to crush, 

Before Britannia's threaten'd head, 

With rancour under foot they tread : 

If they do not prevent this fate. 

They'd merit e'en th' Almighty's hate!!! 

If not !— we like to France must rue 

The dreadful " chaqu'un a son gout^ :^^ 

This gout of madly inflam'd minds 

Produc'd infuriate human fiends ! 

No fault in nature, but in passions, 

Vicious precept, e'er occasions :— - 

The sequel to this is, we see. 

That, so far from their being free. 



* A cant phrase much used during the height of the French Re- 
volution, — implying " every one to his taste ;" — " that all Height 
do as they pleased," 

N 



178 

Men in the Chaos kill each other ; 
Until they noble dictates smother. 
Till, sated with such deadly strife. 
They sink in slavery for life ! 

O ! allow the Author here, 
To let his ardent pray'r appear; — 
^^ May Britons, by experience taught, 
^' E'er act in all things as they ought I" 
That is, may moral Wisdom sway. 
Which never can the mind betray, — 
If what is moral would be sought ! 
It is in precepts Christ has taught : 
If wisdom /, it is that conviction 
Experience tells us is no fiction. — 
This is a simple, lasting rule, 
Which will not let us play the fool. — 
But how can ignorance find out 
The serious sense of this throughout ? 
In solemn truth, — it never can ! 
Let it then be our Country's plan^ 
To chase the baneful curse away ; 
That Britons, by comparing, may 
Perceive their Country is the best. 
And set all thoughts of change at rest !!! 

Knowledge, in fact, is Freedom's test ; 
But then, your thoughts must be exprest : 



179 

'* From branding what is wrong, ne'er shrink ! 

^' And into slaves, we cannot sink ! " 

For thus too soon is check'd the error. 

To ever let it grow to terror. 

A Ruler is afraid to sin, 

Or even act the next akin ; 

As minds enlighten'd instant spj 

Th' erroneous system, and decry. 

Enlighten'd People, when well rul'dj 

Can never be so grossly fool'd, 

As to give up their paradise 

Thro' insidious, base advice : 

In short, a mind enlighten'd will, 

(Humanity consider 'd still,) 

No!, never be so truly dire, 

As that, sunk in the wall' wing mire 

Of stupid, brutal ignorance. 

Making this life a dismal trance,-* 

Of an indeed most fearful import ! 

Oh ! may we " moral wisdom" then court ! 

But to our Chaplain to return; 
'Tis necessary you should learn 
That, altho' when at Sea a treasure. 
In Harbour, he gave no such pleasure ! 
And, as he knew 't would be in vain, 
His point in this as yet to gain, 

N g 



180 

No sooner bad the Ship arriv'd. 
For a refit, and to be hiv'd 
In a dry dock ; than oiF he goes, 
And to his Patron makes his bows. 
Nor ever to the Ship returns, 
Until " a fit for Sea," he learns. 

This was not 'cause by Chief despis'd,-— 
No ! — his known worth was ever priz'd ; 
But, friends ! I won't behind the curtain 
Aught e'er conceal, that's very certain ^ 
Therefore 'tis meet I should confess, — 
And yet, I think, you'd better guess,— 
The reason, that our noble Captain 
Could thus dispense with worthy Chaplain.— 
Hang it, I'm puzzled !— well !, the fact 
Is, that the Skipper * made a pact, 
I fancy verbal, — but howe'er, 
He did not to this Chaplain dare 
The thing to shew, or to explain ; 
Altho' the Parson ne'er was fain 
The hidden motive to find out* 
The circumstance 1 am about, 
If I must say ?, is this : — full sure, 
A certain pretty female lure, 



* " Skipper'^ is a familiar pleasant term for Captuin^ used by 
Officers and Seamen frequently among themselves. 



181 

Had been with pains, thrown out, and well ; 

Why in the snare the Captain fell ! 

As who at Sea, has not, pray tell !!! . 

But to his credit be it said, 

His principles were not betray'd, 

To injure her, or any other; 

Nor did it for a moment smother 

Ideas, embodied in his mind 

Of much more moral heav'nly kind ; 

As, that a certain loyely girl, 

More valuable than the pearl. 

E'er to the merchant, that this casket. 

When honourably, he could ask it, 

He fondly hop'd to make his own, 

" Flesh of one flesh, and bone of bone;" 

No honest Chaplain in the lurch, 

But by the laws of mother Church !— 

Thus the self-same thing occurr'd 
A» has thro' life — the Captain err'd !!! 
Yet what your censure may abate, 
I will in few words now relate. 

It happen'd that, the first cruise which he made, 
His Frigate got most fearfully embay'd ; 
(This was before the Chaplain came on board ;) 
But I have said, our Chief was not a cow'rd : 



182 

He fearlessly beheld Death's dire encroach. 
His stealing, far most terrible approach ; 
Not in the sanguinary battle's rage, 
Where our best passions panic fears assuage, 
But in the horrors of a leeward shore, 
Where, if a Cable broke, we were no more ! 
A Cable ! what a sounding term, — a thread ! 
Was but between us, and a watry bed ! 

Torn by the fury of each whirlwind blast, 
Exposed to Seas which e'en out-top the mast ; 
Scarcely of Sails a single ribband left ; 
Of all, save our Sheet-anchor, now bereft * ! 
But this alone remaining ! — Gob on high ! 
How here misgiving Conscience gives the lie 
Unto the Atheist's stupid, monstrous creed, 
Now that Thy mighty pow'r all stand in need ! — 
How can I coolly, clearly tell the tale ? 
Tell all the horrors of the furious gale, — 
When the tremendous night came dreadful on, 
When not the faintest glimmer, cheering, shone ; 
O ! all the darkness of Earth's deepest tomb 
Could not exceed this sullen awful gloom ! 



* The Anchors Ships come too, and moor with, are called 
" Bouers ;" when these go, you have only another in readiness^ 
calledthe*^ Sheet.'' 



183 

But, hah! the work'd-up crisis quickly nears. 
For the fierce Hurricane more deadly veers ! — 
Th' exhausted Crew, in terrors wildly tost, 
Appaird!, heart-struck!, despair!, give all for lost !-— 
Firmly the youthful Captain now commands, 
" That to his Cabin may be sent all hands :" 
There, with the Book of Pray'r, and bended knee, 
(While in the sacred action all agree,) 
With solemn mien, and most impressive voice, 
His words the lately drooping Tars rejoice ; 
Until, with minds made up, much more at ease, 
They watch the wild contention of the Seas, 
And with devotion say, " As it our God may please!" 

Desir'd effect had this at Mercy's throne. 
Nor for their loss had weeping friends to moan. — 
Thro' this fell night they suffered ; — but next morn, 
The lull'd wind veers, they ev'ry danger scorn ; 
(Yet dark, unsettled is the windward sky ;) 
Scarcely this change had happen'd, than to try 
To clear the close!, the frowning, fatal strand. 
The energetic Captain gives command. 
Now the important use of Discipline 
Is in our Ship's and Crew's salvation seen ; 
No fearful indecision now unnerves, 
But each one in his proper station serves, 
With cool, collected, earnest, utmost force? 
According as the guiding accents hoarse 



184 

Of the rough, active Boatswain storm around, 
Soon as th' emphatic Captain's orders sound. 

With such a Crew, and such a noble Chief, 
Our Ship soon clears the lately fateful reef; 
Which rear'd between her, and a sheltered port, 
Thankful, they now no longer i:iamly court !!! 

Perhaps there are, may think our Chief a Molly ! 
Such men ! will ever deem it weakest folly 
In an effem'nate Nelson — stupid man ! 
To let an inwcation be his plan 
Before th' eventful shock of fight 's begun : 
And to Thanks ghe his God when battle's won !!! 
If it is possible there can be such, 
'Twere vain indeed with th^^ to argue much : 
Let them find out which is the greater evil, 
A God benign ! to worship,- — or a devil !!! 
Many, I fully trust, will think my story 
Adds much unto our gallant Captain's glory *. 



* In this affair, as soon as the peril became great, the Pilot (a 
foreigner) lost his senses through terror, nor did he recover them 
until completely out of danger. 



END OF CANTO III. 



CANTO IV. 



Second and Third Lieutenants introduced ; their Characters — ^Also 
that of a young Man who had nearly served his time — More of 
the First Lieutenant — Various Employments and Amusements of 
the Ofhcers — An Observation Luncheon — Visiting on board Ship, 
and Mode of Dressing, described — Boatswain and his Wife intro- 
duced — Appeal to the Fair Sex — A strange Sail at Night — Pro- 
ceedings in consequence- — Recapitulation of the Cruisc'r— A Water- 
Spout — Prognostics of a Gale — An old Seaman's Superstition — 
Preparations to meet the Storm — Young Henry falls overboard, 
from the Mizen Top-sail Yard-arm — Sandy Mayne and Ben Brace 
jump after him — Result — First Lieutenant takes in Sail, &c. ac- 
cording to the Captain's Directions ; who, however, does not speak 
to the Crew — His Reasons — Reflections, and Anecdote upon 
ditto. 



THE 



CRUISE. 



CANTO IV. 

JLet 's see!— 'twillnot be out of place. 

Perhaps, if here I now should trace 

Another Character or two ; 

Altho', indeed, a sketch must do.-— 

The First Lieutenant, I have said, 

A great claim to our notice laid ; 

He hail'd * froio Plymouth, brave and steady; 

In body strong, for all things ready. y 

But there are two Lieutenants more, 
Of whom I have not spoke before; 



* To " hail'* a vessel, is literally to halloo, and speak her ; the 
first interrogation is usually, '* From whence came you?" or, 
" What Ship is that?" — Hence the application as above, "From 
whence did he hail ?" — " where born ?" — *' where belonging toi" 
as much as to say. 



188 

Each from Hibernia sprung, — but then 

They were very different men ; 

Both were youthful, but our Second 

"Was with justice fav'rite reckon'd. 

A sort of modest dignity, 

Join'd to a mild benignity, ^ 

Stampt him at once a kindly youth ; 

Allied to manliness and truth : — 

While little squabbles rag*d around. 

He, and without exertion, found 

Means to e'er keep himself aloof; 

And yet without the least reproof j—* 

Was generous, as man could be, 

Practising real charity. 

Sometimes, when at point of sailing, 

A young creature, with love ailing, 

Came her dear husband to embrace, 

From too a very distant place : 

Scarcely had she got alongside, 

When the rough Boatswain loudly cried, 

" Up anchor, hoy !" What poignant woe ! 

Does now the wretched couple show. — 

Alas ! her money is all out, 

And poor Jack is of cash without *. 

. •» It will happen, at times, that a Sailor, under the idea of his 
Ship's remaining in port a while, writes to his wife to come to him ; 
when the expectation is marred in the above distressing manner. 



189 

'Tis now our youth at once extends 
His ready purse, and nobly mends 
Thm forlorn state:— -He too, was brave; 
That is, he never fear'd the gr.ive!!! 
Most like the smooth, unruffled tide, 
Which nothing e'er can set aside; 
Yet is so tranquil, you might chide, 
Or (till the sequel 's known) deride, 
Its seeming sluggishness ; until 
You find its quiet waters fill. 
Far surer, than th' impetuous boar !, 
Which, rushing with a hideous roar, 
Will now and then o'erwhelra the shore*. 

Now you'd suppose he had no pain, 
Alas, poor youth !, he was a swain !!! — 
For ev'ry pretty girl he'd sigh ! 
Most fondly gaze ! — ^nay, almost die !-— 
But then it was, in honest fashion, 
Without the least of vicious passion : 
It was a " Tenderness delightful," 
For ev'ry female, not quite frightful !!! 

As to the other : — for a time, 
Not one could with his manners chime ; 



* An extraordinary force of tide (owing to a flood, for instance,) 
is termed by Sailors a " Boar :" — when it first comes on, and is 
shallows, it makes a roaring, not unlike the animal of that name. 



190 

All must succumb to his great will l. 

Or stand a chance of pop-gun pill!!! 

This did not last long tho', before 

He found he'd better say no more ; 

As none would to such terms agree, 

Being all quite as brave as he ! 

After the first rub, things went well. 

Except at times a wrangling spell ! 

And he became a jovial fellow, 

Tho' he forgot himself when mellow ; — 

He was brave, — or rather, rash ! 

Send him straight forward, he wouW dash,- 

But had not cool ability, 

To act in great emergency. 

Well then — at times he'd lend a few 

But borrow, five times more of you ; — 

As to his love of heav'nly woman, 

It was in style some call inhuman. 

Could he in any way succeed. 
No matter how^ he did the deed- 
Could he but once his end attain, 
He car'd not whom she appertain ; 
Let there be possibility ; 
Pho ! d — n laws of society. — 
No!, not regard for Friend or Brother, 
Would in him vicious honour smother. 



191 

A sense of honour !!! — sooth, he said 
Also of Manhood !!!— ever bade 
That if a woman be but fain. 
Nothing should make the man abstam.-^ 

Now none of Us were immaculate. 
And yet we all did his maxims hate !!! * 
The fact was, he was lik'd by none, 
Tho* still amongst us he made one, 
Because he did his duty well. 
And at the boarding took his spell : 



* Upon one of this Gentleman's propensities, viz. " to quarrel and 
fight on the slightest occasion/' the Author begs leave to offer an 
observation or two: — Military Service really affords so many oppor- 
tunities of losing one's life for the good of our Country, that it is 
(especially at a time like this) absolutely criminal, to throw it away 
at the beck of such a pest ! as above described. — The Author will not 
enter on the subject of Duelling, further than to ask, — Ought a 
known, brave, and good Officer to hazard his life through the inso- 
lence of that vile disposition, so often, unfortunately, to be met with 
in all societies of men ? — Ought not, the rather, his Brother Officers 
unanimously join to prevent it, and stigmatize the breaker of peace ! — 

thus letting punishment fall where due ? The Author has heard 

of instances, where, when a notorious Duellist has tvanior.ly challenged 
a man of honour, it has been submitted to a Jury of really honourable 
men, whether such a summons should be obeyed ? They -declared 
at once in the negative :•— and thus acted on a system which (if 
persevered in) must ultimately scout many wretches fronj society, 
now unfortunately tolerated ; as a line of honour would then be 
drawn between what must perhaps (as the world is) be termed the 
" Duel of Necessity," and that of ** Capricious Insolence," In 
which the man of real honour is invariably murdered by the villain^ 
who insults, because practised in arms, and shameless in the manner 
@f making use of them. 



392 

l)f course, when men are of this stuffy 
It is, on board Ship, why I — enough. 

Well,^ let me see ; if I explain 
The Oflficers' employ in tmin, 
I shall have paid just so much debt. 
As to have 'fore you fairly set 
Account of all the avocations 
On board a Ship, and Recreations ; — 
You will have been too introduc'd 
To such as in our Frigate cruised, 
Of greatest note. — So, I've to say, 
The Officers employ the day 
In their own Cabins, writing Journal ; 
A circumstance at Sea, eternal. 
None can pass examination, 
If, from sad procrastination, 
He cannot, when his time is out, 
Shew Journals of a certain route. 
This regards Midshipmen; — Lieutenants, 
While ever they are under pen'ants. 
Must, at the end of ev'ry year, 
Let proper Journal-book appear : 
If they do not this rule adopt, 
By Navy-Office pay is stopt * I 

* Although a young man may have served his six years in the 
Navy, yet they will not examine him so as to render him compe- 



193 

Sometimes tbese books are nicely kept^ 
Being with Charts and Drawings deckt : 
One Youth, whose six years servitude 
Was nearly out,— who highly stood 
In our Captain's good opinion, 
(But no sycophantic minion,) 
Survey 'd, and with much science drew*; 
Proving what I have said most true, 



tent to a Lieutenant's commission^ unless he shews a certain num- 
ber of year's Journals, kept by himself, part of which too, as what 
is termed rated Midshipman ; — for only a certain number of these 
are allowed a Man-of-War on her books ; although every Gentle^ 
man, bringing up as such, does the duty and wears the uniform. — 
The Pay, wdiich Lieutenants cannot receive without passing Jour- 
nals, is called the '' Compensation." 

* Unfortunately, so little attention is paid, in the education of 

^aval Officers, to these very useful branches of knowledge, that few 

indeed possess trie requisite information; such however as do, are 

sure to get on. Tlie Author attempts, in this sketch, to delineate 

the character of an old Messmate and Friend, now no more !, — who 
owed Jiis Commission, immediately on having passed, to the supe- 
riority of his Journals, and Captain's recommendation; but the first 
would have insured it.— He went to Sea at sixteen, with an extremely 
well informed mind, and good disposition :— he kept his Journal* 
from the outset ; — not a land, harbour, or roadstead, but was beau- 
tifully sketched, and surveyed as accurately as circumstances would 
permit, opposite the regular description ;— not a cruize, or voyage, 
tiiat was not, at its termination, summed up in a Mercator's Chart; 
— -not an action, or perilous situation, but was represented; — in short, 
they so truly combined the useful and agreeable, that those who 
saw them, were delighted. — He was promoted, and, had he not fallen 
a victim to the yellow fever, would probably have risen to most dis- 
tinguished eminence in his profession. 



^ 194 

That lads, who have a proper spirit. 

And reward do truly merit, 

Will not have long, in our Profession, 

To make to Fortune intercession. — 

This lad, brought up at a Free School, 

Had learnt thence many a good rule ; 

Necessity soon taught this sense, 

^' That he must learn, in his defence." 

So he excell'd in Navigation, 

And as a Draftsman kept high station. 

His nature was, tho' manly, mUd ; 

He ne'er was known to play the child, 

Early reflection came, for fortune had not smil 

Excelling many in the lore, 

So useful when we leave the shore, 

He could not but be notic'd soon, 

And gain that ever grateful boon, 

Deserved attention ! — 

And to mention 

What follows next, is scarcely needful. 

Namely ! that our good Chief was heedful 

Of his Advancement on the Ocean, 

By soon procuring him Promotion. — 

But Journals of themselves would him earn 

Higher rank, for they were a pattern ! 

Then we oft have copying orders, 
Keeping our watch-book from diiorders, - 



ird!- ) 



195 

Which lapse of timej of needs, occasions^ 

In a Ship's complicated stations. 

It is in fact a mechanism^ 

Just as in clock-work : — if a schism 

Ever takes place amongst the wheelsj 

Organization throughout feels ; 

The clock or goes too fast or slow. 

By starts, or not at ^11, you know :— 

So, in a Ship, — if inattention, 

Or any other sad prevention, 

Irregularity occasions 

In a Crew's work, and settled stations. 

Duty, like time, it so disorders, 

That it on dire confusion borders ; 

Annihilation ! oft, indeed. 

Of Discipline!, will this succeed. — 

It is the First Lieutenant's care. 

To keep the Watch, and stations fair *. 

I fancy, all hands will agree 
This OiF'cer has immensity, 

* Every man has an allotted place in a Man-of-War, against any 
emergency that can occur ; whether in the Watch, Quarters, Ma- 
noeuvering. Boats, Prizes, &c. &c. — One or two large boards are filled 
with this information, and hung in a conspicuous part of the Vessel ; 
they are carefully corrected by the First Lieutenant, according to 
contingencies ; — every Officer must have a copy, in the form of a 
book, which he carries about him, to muster and set the men right, 
when requisite. 

© 2 



196 

On board to do : — 'tis often said, 
" A Captain may with ease be made ; 
" But, as to right good First Lieutenants, 
^^ It takes the best men under pen'ants V* 

Now this, in part, is strictly true, 
As far as having most to do ! 
In the minutiae of a Ship ; 
Yet it is not to Chiefs a flip r 
Because, — before that ere a Captaiis 
Can well his situation attain, 
He has been of this birth a tenant ; 
Has acted as a First Lieutenant ! 

From Journals, Watch-books, and Day^s Works, 
No Officer on board, e'er shirks : — 
These, between Watches, time employ, 
And, to speak truth, they often cloy ; 
Ne'er is the consummation won. 
And the dull duty fairly done. 
Without a stretch or two and yawn ;. 
Then blithest fun begins to dawn,. 
Brightens the eye, and now througliout. 
They have a proper romping bout. 
Nor have the Middies this alone ; 
In truth the younger ones are prone, 
liven abaft !, to do the same, 
Not being, tho' commission 'd^ t ime. 



197 

Thej riot, in their former sport, 

Tho' this none out of reason court ; — 

You may suppose, the romping boys 

Do not make ever so much noise, 

As to compel their well-lik'd Chief 

To e'er intrude his i^eto brief! 

Perhaps some paint; — make nonsense verses; 

With intermediate hearty curses, 

Of winds and weather, and blank purses I — ; 

Some are warbling, — others spouting, 

That is, the softest speeches, shouting !, 

And all the rules of Hamlet routing ! ! ! — 

Thus far the Morning : — ^but, I pray, 
How do the Ev'nings pass away ? — 
Why ! there is what we term " Bull-dancing ;" 
And Visits too, our joys enhancing. — 

As to the Dancing, 'tis, i'feck. 
Upon our own neat Quarter-deck : 
The Captain a Liei^tenant fancies, 
(If so mayhap,) with whom he dances, — 
Transform'd, in thought, into a Doxy, 
Flourishes off this pretty proxy! 
Better, I ween, than old Ship Cook, 
Who late the part of Madam took ; 
As I have said before, you know, 
With her appropriate, lovely Beau !, — 



198 

The other OfF'cers also pair, 
To cut their capers in the air :: — 
In this, our cannie Sanj>y Mayne 
Would the prize ever hollow gain ; 
No heavy step, you'd make him steal ; 
Whether in Country^dance or Reel, 
He did a right Scotch spirit feel :— 
He jump'd, and flourish'd, but in time, 
No step, but did with measure chime ; 
Nor would he leave off cap'ring soon, 
Mark me, tho' !— he was not a loon !!!— 
Our Captain humouring the fun, 
Which, faith, he had himself begun. 
Perhaps made rather more a run. 
Than when a heav'nly dance he pac'd, 
By his lov'd fair-one sweetly grac'd. 
For I must tell you, tho' a Sailor, 
He did not dance quite like a Tailor ! 
He learn'd to dance, (as also fence,) 
And then his pulse, his ev'ry sense, 
Mov'd, in a strictest unison. 
With the accomplish'd, sweet, fair one 
Perhaps some, without manly passion. 
Might step a trifle more in fashion ; 
Which of the two is lik'd the best. 
In truth, must with the Ladies rest!!! 



199 

IVe seen, "when other Chiefs might dine 
At Sea, on board us, they'd combine. 
And foot it too,— as young ones dancings 
Aye I — altho' to the foe adyancing.— 
^ I mean, a foe in Harbour blocked, 
Whose feelings oftentimes were shock'd 
By our lads steering in so close 
As to send home a furious dose ; 
I mean a pill ! — a warming one! 
Prepared by Tars, and sent by gun 1 
So much for this daring fun ! !l * 

Thus you see, whene'er weather's fine. 
All try, a jocund wreath to twine. 

As to the Visits !— they forsooth, 
Compar'd with pic-nicks, arc uncouth ; 
For, I must tell you, these are parties. 
In which we eat, and drink, like hearties ! 
We never can be seen adorning, 
For yisits, at, or noon, or morning ; 
Then, Service most imperious calls. 
As it in constant routine falls ; 
(No time, of course, for this, or balls.) 



* The Author has himself figured away in a Country Dance, 
when the Commodore of a Squadrcn of Frigates led off ;— the Ship 
at the time proceeding to recopnoitre the «ntmy*s harbour, close in. 



200 

It is, when daily work is done. 

That these right-relish'd rigs are run. — 

At Sea, we cannot have much time ; 

Things, you conceive, don't always chime; — 

Mostly our parties then, pray mind !, 

Are to blithe Saturdays confin'd. 

And when in port, they are refin'd 

By the most beauteous of our kindj 

Th' enchanting Fair Sex !, lovely creatures !, 

Charming in manners, as in features Jl! — 

But avast there ! * I say now, come !, 

The whole are not so deuced rum t. 

Come!, come!, no quizzing. Sir, I pray, 

Some few undoubtedly you may ; 

To others, more attention pay. 

I will ! — my disposition ne'er 

Reckon'd ill-natur'd satire fair ; 

Tho' I, on complimenting run, 

My meaning is but harmless fun I 

Bless'd tho' they were n't with fortune's dow'r, 

Or polish'd grace ; yet oft an hour 



* *' Avast!'' signifies to stop; as '' avast heaving/' — "avast 
hauling-*' 

t " Rum," as applied here, means *' odd," — " out of the way ;" 
Z common expression among Sailors. 



261 

Pre pa$s*d most pleasantly with siidi ; 
They welcomed me indeed as much 
As in their pow'r : — Readers, I mean 
Those who had truly married been : 
Gunner, Carpenter, and Boatswain, 
Usually their gude wives have ta^en ; 
Who (as most frequently the case) 
Are, while in harbour, in their place;— 
That is, along-side their good Hubbies, 
And oftentimes, with all their Cubbies *. 

Hard run for Rhymes, when thus I call. 
Husband and child ; — not Cubs at all, 
But real, well begotten young ones.— 
Well ! you'xe excus'd. Sir ; so tell of buns, 
Split biscuit. Tommy soft f , and Tea ; 
het us the style of entertainment see. — 
Well ! — suppose a leisure ev'ning, 
And all hands (or most) carreening ^ ; 

* These Officers cannot always be permitted, in port, to leave 
their Ship, consequently their Families must come to them; — they 
have very good Cabins. 

f *' Soft Tommy," or "Tack," is a name given by Sailors to 
Bread, in contradistinction to Biscuit, which is hard ; though, in this 
instance, softened by being soaked in water, split, toasted, and 
buttered. 

X ** Carreening," is heaving one side of a vessel so much in the 
water, as to bring the Keel nearly on the surface ; thus permitting 
the bottom to be repaired ; — the only resource where there are no 
Docks. — Apjjly this to people lolling on their sides, &e. 



20^ 

I won't saj, altogether hove down, 

But, after duty, rather so prone ; 

Stretching on chests before their tea. 

Or chairs, in which the most agree * ; 

In comes a neat young Sailor Boy, % 

A trim young dog, but not a toy; — S 

Tough Marlinspike f does him employ^ , ^ 

(Our Boatswain,) and as good a fellow 

As e^er pip'd Calls, or e'er got mellow; 

Thus he oft got ; — to duty true 

Tho';— fear'd, yet lik'd, hj all the Crew:— 

A rough-spun Tar, of Ben bow's School, 

Could never gulp '^ a fangled rule," 

So call'd by him ; tho' oft rallying. 

Old Pipes +, term'd it '^ Jacky FaWa-ling § :" 

Yet, tho' he growl'd at aught e'er new. 

And grufF'd, and gruff'd ; the thing he'd do 

In proper style, — was bred at Sea, 

Nay, born perhaps ; — 'tis, faith, likely :— 

* Midshipmen have sometimes Chests in their Births, for seats ; — 
though Chairs are most used now. 

f " Marlinspike," is a sharp-pointed iron instrument, used to 
open the layers of ropes, &c, : as the Boatswain presides over this 
duty, he is often jocosely called after it. 

X " Pipes," the most common familiar appellation for the Boat- 
swain, from his call. 

§ Sea-way of expressing effeminacy, foppishness, any thing noH- 
seHsicak 



203 

Hairj and strong as Greenland Bear, 
And, on ray word, — now, do not stare! 
When I tenaciously declare, 
^^ To an ox-hide I his compare." 
For this, in young days, he'd ne'er cover 5 
Nor was he of the hat a lover : 
The more expos'd, the more he'd glory^ 
And you might now believe the story ; 
For, tho' oblig'd to wear on duty 
His uniform, and try for beauty, 
Yet all things sat so queer upon him, 
They look'd as they did not belong him« 
But if the fight, or shiver'd mast, 
Chang'd the dull scene, away he cast, 
With fury, coat and hat, and try'd 
With might the ill to set aside ; — 
This was his glory and our pxide. 

Pipes was not old tho', — forty, say; 
JBut Service gave an older trait ; 
Rough, hugely whisker'd, furrow'd o'er, 
He scarcely human vestige bore ; 
When squinting at a coming squall. 
He seemingly would elements appal!!! — 
Take him in port, his wife beside. 
With royal gin,— the Sailor's pride ! 



204 

He was as Iieartj, good a man, 

As Ocean e'er to produce can. 

One thing more of him I must ^tate ; 

It once had been his former fate 

To hare a Lordship ! for a Chief; 

Foot Marlinspike's supremest grief I 

He could not saj, " Yes, yes, my Lord," 

If you would give him wealth's reward I 

'Twas e'er — " Aye, aye. Sir*,'* which he fear'd^ 

In his Lord's eyes, so bad appear'd ; 

Was such a terrible offence. 

That it in Pipes, a sad absence 

Of mind, and much delay occasion'd,— 

While an excuse he dissertation' d; 

His Lordship at length, laughing, cries, 

(To execute at once Pipes flies,) 

^' Never mind Lord!, say, yes !, and do it f, 

*' And do not fear, that you shall rue it!'* 

His Wife kept up on shore an Inn, 
All Sea-port luxuries Avithin : — 
She Was an honest, thrifty body, 
And, mind ! — by no means a mere noddy ! 
Tight, smart, and clean in look, and clothes, 
A countenance, would not impose ; 

* " Aye, aye. Sir," is the usual answer to an Officer's orders. 



£05 

Lor'd life, and fun, and breeding too, 

Young Boatswains, — but to Husband, true I — 

A really kind-hearted soul/ 

Who ne'er thro' sulkiness would scowl: — 

But one wee tale, I can't controul, 

" She lik'd a snug sup in the bowl 

^' Of Punch, she made most passing good;" — 

The sups as well tho' understood ! 

Well ! — so young Jack, the Boatswain's boj, 
Tells us, but in a fashion coy, — 
*' My Master, and my Mistress too, 
*' Docs hope as how, that you, and you, 
*' And you, and you, or any few, 
*' Will come along, and take some tea, 
" And grog, and play at wisk-we-he :'* 
We say, " that we shall happy be." 
Away goes Jack ; each Middy hies 
His Person sweet to adonize:- — 
Whips up the lid of great Sea Chest, 
And then, like hunting, goes in quest 
Of what may make him smartly drest t 
For 'tis the Fair makes tea, O zounds !, 
How that exhilarating sounds. — 
Believe me. Ladies !, we at Sea 
For ever love, and worship, ye !— - 



^06 

Worship !!! — there's the deuce ! — this homage 
So profound !, — we think grand domraage, 
(As the French say): — indeed "'tis pity. 
This worship ne'er will make you witty. 
Such goddesses you think us truly. 
That you intreat us, far too coolly : 
Why keep your rev'rence to your selves f 
You shocking, tiresome, loving elves ! 
We would have worship well exprest, 
Believe us, we like that far best ! — ■ 
What 's the use of all your sighing ? 
When we know not, you're a dying !!!— 

O dearest Creatures ! if you would 
Act but as tho' you understood ; 
Encourage us, thus planet-struck, 
With gracious words, or e'en a look ; 
O 1 then, how readily you'd find 
That you might mould us to your mind. 

But, for your own thrice-cherish'd sakes. 
Take heed ! you do not make us rakes ! 
O ! do not, while our hearts you steal, 
Stifle those passions Man should feel : — 
Don't make us fops !— or of that throng ! 
To whom bad principles belong ; 
Make us lively!, wooing!, pleasant! ; 
But to honour e'er obcisant : 



207 

For, with the pow'r which you hold o'er hi, 
We'll undertake whatever 's before us. 

But, O ! remember, it has yet been found, 
And will, till Virtue's trump o'er earth shall sound. 
That, when once broke is principle's barrier, 
Nothing can stop the passions' wild career ! : 
Your charms may make us principles forego, 
But then all manly feeling is laid low ! — 
Dread then the wretch ! most^ when^ow'tJe made him so 
Why should you think a modest Tar a fool ! 
Because he has been nurtur'd in a school 
Where vicious foppery can't make a tool ? 
Amidst the storm, the bloody, anxious fight 
Still lovely woman's image keeps in iight ; — 
He makes you idol of his inmost soul ; 
And such is ever your supreme controul, 
That when return'd, after long service hard, 
He hears you I — sees you smile! — O blest reward !— 
Finds that, e'en what his warmest thoughts divin'd. 
Is truly in your lovely selves combin'd : 
If then he's struck thro' admiration mute. 
Think not he is a stupid, very! brute ! 
Do not the planet-stricken Tar upbraid, 
For failings which your lovely selves have made : 
Mould him but well, and I dare tell. 
He'll take a lively, pleasant spell. — 



i 



208 

But, pray, sir, don't be so caressing ; 
Do tell us, how the Mids are dressing.— 
Ma'am ! — by an inch of candle-light. 
After much turning, heave in sight 
The things required, — which, as he gets, 
lie puts on, while in chest he sits ; 
That is, as one may say, almost !— 
As if a room, and he the host ; 
Like " Ruttekin, the Tinker," who 
^em'd, in his box, to bake and brew; 
Being, he said, his house and home, 
Tho' without staircase, porch, or dome. — • 
A looking-glass, broke to a figure* 
Not found in G'oraetry, — scarce bigger 
Than one's hand palm, is plac'd, as best, 
III Till t, or somewhere 'bout the chest. 
For young Adonis ! to be drest. — 
Drest! — O lack ! — if they wore wigs, 
My word ! they'd cut som.e pretty rigs. 
This problem of a glass is so crackt. 
It would most surely all wigs distract, 

* The " Till,'^ is a small division of the Chest (sometimes with 
a Ud), to separate papers from clothes ; there are often three. 

f Davy Jones and carelessness make sad havock in the toilette 
on board Ship, which commonly soon consists of the cracked re- 
mains of a Siiiaii iiiirror, lit by a morsel of candle stuck against the 
chest or till: — sucb, probably, \\m the " set-out" of a Nelson ! 



209 

"f bat is, if curFd ;^for ev'ry square 

Upon the glass would dance in air 

One curl, while lo I another sunk 5 

Just as altho' the wig were drunk;— 

Or, like the fretful Porcupine, 

Would in dire points, not smart curls, shine. -^ 

But wigs had no Mid's fancy struck, 
No one would be a " wiggish buck;"-— ^ 
The hair in general was worn. 
As tho* by rounded bowl-dish shorn 1 
Some had great superfluity 
Made up, by being suety I; 
For these, to be most wond'rous smart, 
Plaster'd pomatum, with such art 
As form'd (with flour) a tallow'd headj 
Dipp'd as tho' in a feather bed !— 
Thus making such a beau-like finish, 
As needs must other heads diminish !— 
But all are n't dizen'd by a light, 
Itself enough to puzzle quite; — 
Many, each bright luxuriant curl> 
Will, as kind nature gave, unfurl.— 
The older ones, what flows behind, 
Do with a turn of riband bind ; 
^heir sole intent 's to keep it clean, "^ 

Aqd be like manly youths !, not half-buckjs 1; seen.— » 



210 

These also have their clothes in order ; 
Chests free from dirt, and from disorder*-— 
Effeminate now do not rate us. 
When I say some have apparatus. 
Elegance and use combining, 
With a mirror entire, shining. 
May not we have to men adherence, 
And 3^et have things of neat appearance ^ 

What I know is, that I have seen, 
\Micnever lads liave careful been, 
Thci/, when necessity required, 
Could do whatever Fate desir'd !— • 
Some trifling' trials to relate, — 
'Tis oft an Honourable's fate, 
(As servants are denied their state. 
One being to a mess allow'd, 
Who can't in all things tend the crowd,) 
To cheat the shoeblack of his dues. 
And clean his own right honourable shoes !!! — 

This task, a Mid cannot refuse ; 
Or if he would, he rnust not chuse. 
To go, due cleanliness without. 
And tramp * the deck, a dirty lout ! 



* ''To tramp the deck,'' a comnion expression at Sea; — 1« 
trudge, lo^valk. 



211 

We oft must tailor, cobble too. 

In short, there's nought but we must do t 

Make a plum-pudding, and sea-pie, 

Nay 1 oft to boil our kettles hie ; 

A Youngster needs must all things try. 

So that, if shipwreck'd on a coast. 

To toil or prison doom'd, ^\e boast 

That tlio' we are by ill luck crost. 

Still that we're not in all things lost. — 

But come I — suppose now, on their clotlies, 
With each a kerchief clean for nose, 
Which, as a Petticoat 's in case, 
Some with a drop of perfume grace. 
As for the suet heads, they've plentj^, 
Mix'd in pomatum, — not too dainty ! — 
Fearful that clothes of dust may savour, 
They '' brush for brush," and " d — n all favour;" 
Then proceed forward, with great caution, 
To the Fore-Cockpit"*, right precaution; 
Or, it might hap, a little tar ^ 
May our sweet adonising mar. 



* The Boatswain and Carpenter, in Line-of-Battle Ships, have 
their cabins in the Fore Cockpit, near their respective store-rooms ; 
in Frigates they are before the Gun-room,— The Author speaks ge- 
nerally of visiting on board Men-of-War, 



212 

Arrir'd in forra, — Mistress k ready- 
To make her curt'sy, (Ship quite steady). 

Nicely laid out we find the cups, 
From whence we soon take hearty sups. 

Tea on board Ship, in ev'ry station. 
Forms both a meal j and recreation : 
A green cloth th' oaken table covers, 
And a huge loaf !— -while hot cake hovers 
Aloft — as held by Master Jack ; 
Until on table stands the tack. 
Mistress this famous cake had made, 
Therefore of course none could upbraid, 
As, had you seen us, you'd have said. — 

But first, I should have told you, Pipes, 
The while his oozing mouth he wipes, 
(This from tobacco's tasty juice, 
Which upon Ocean has its use,) 
Sings out, when first he sees us, — " Hoy! 
" I*m glad to see each hearty boy ; 
'' Give us a shake-of all your fists :" — 
(O zooks I what hard, confounded twists !). 

Not much is said, at least at present, — 
We are about what 's far more pleasant. 

But, mind ! in manners all agree, 
Courteous throughout — to the Lady; 



Who is in truth both frank and free^ 
Making us stuff, and swallow tea. 

This feast once feasted, things are ta'en 
Quickly away, — and now a main 
We try at Whist ; — the party six, 
Two do at Cribbage snugly fix; 
While all the relish 'd fogram * mix. 

O Hoyle I couldst thou but see us playing, 
In faith, I brieve, there 'd be no staying. 
For, as the nectar makes us mellow, 
Fat Bob ! that noisy, funny fellow ! 
Makes us so laugh, or rather bellow. 
That the fishes sure might hear us ; 
Who in fact are rather near us. 
At last old Pipes (who loses) cries :— ' 
*' Why, smite my limbs and blow my eyes, 
** This isn't wisk, or what is't ? whist; 
*• I say, my hearties, can't you phwisht?" 

^' My dear I" says Mistress Marlinspike, 
^' Why, it's the very thing we like." — 

*' O ho ! then sure you this won't mind; 
*' The topsails shiver in the wind, 
^' Our Ship she is cast to the Sea-ee ; 
'* But still my heart, my gramachree, 
*^ The Devil made me marry thee." 

^ " Fogram/' is a cant term for liquor of any description. 



! 



214 

"This wit produc'd so loud a laugb. 

And also such a gen' ral quaiF, 

And afterwards so loud a chorus, 

That laughing absolutely tore us!!! — 

Till, as the storm, which, at its height. 

Needs must in turn, jou know, grow light ; 

So we, when hurricane had past, 

Succeeded to a calm at last. — 

We talk of Ships and Seamanship, 

While our Host takes a long-spun trip, 

Over his wond'rous scenes thro' life ; 

Of Tempest !, Shipwreck !, mortal Strife ! — ^ 

Of mad freaks in outlandish places ; 

For, in a Seaman's mind, this graces.— 

This curious term!, a country where 
Jack 's not at home, far off, howe'er, 
'Tis Jack's outlandish ! as I ma^^, 
Perhaps superfluously, say*. 

Now bread and cheese, and cold roast-beef, 
Give to our talking Tacks + relief. 

* " Outlandish," means foreign to one's own country ; — thus, 
an Otaheitan would be so in England, and an Englishman in Ota' 
heite: — but an English Sailor, let him be where he v.'ill, abuses the 
people of the country for being foreigners, while it is himself who 
is so. 

-j- When Ships sail on a wind that is " not free," or " from it," — 
they have their Tacks aboard; which usually implies the largest 
Sails being set diagonally : — If a man eats, or talks, &c. &c. much, 
he 15 said to have ^^ his so and so Tacks on board." 



215 

Then comes the bowl of punch, and when 
'' Four Bells" have struck, that is. when Ten, 
'Tis fit we all (well pleas'd) turn in * : 
Not much wG lose, nor much we win. 

This is of Visits specimen, 
Jovial, altho' in gloomy den. 
But, in still larger Ships, 3'ou find 
Cabins of a different kind ; 
As '^ Midship ones," in which the Day-Mate 
Messes, — to get at most intricate. 
Both Chip's X and Pipes's births are forward, 
Also to get at most untoward. 
Abaft, four births, to o'er them run, 
Mids have two, and Surgeon's Mates one ; 
Clerks have usually the other : 
No birth's to the other Brother. 
Then, in the Gun-room, on one side, 
The Gunner's place may be descried : 
So thus eight difF'rent births we see, 
And if we do but all agree, 
(As oftener the case than not,) 
Why then, in turn, each mention'd spot 
Affords a change, a novelty, 
Forming a blithe society. — 



* " Turning in," signifies going to bed. 

f " Chips" is a name given to tlie Carpenter. 



216 

But, pray!— the Junior Lieutenant, 
Is he not of the Gun-room tenant * ?— 
Yes :-— there are others too, but he 
(If disposed to be frank and free) 
Oft, from amongst the Midshipmen, 
And, too, the other Gentlemen, 
(When there is nothing else to do,) 
Selects just a sufficient few ; 
Who, in his Cabin, sociably 
JEat, drink, and chat an hour, may be.^-- 

Having now, in due progression, 
And without undue digression, 
(At least I hope so) introduced 
Such things, as us — on board amus'd. 
Such as in life domestic sway, 
Whether throughout the night or day ;— 
With a sort of sketching story, 
Of men's failings, and their glory ; 
That is, so far ! — I have to tell, 
That hunger doth all hands propel. 



* All the above Births (Cabins) are on what is called "The Orlop 
Deck," — (on which are the Fore and After Cockpits, the Cable 
Tiers, and, in large Ships, frequently the Midship Mess-place)— 
save and except the junior Lieutenants and Gunner's Cabins, which 
are on the Lower Gun-deck, close aft, in the Gun-room. — Marine 
Officers and Chaplain fill the other places there. 



217 

At Twelve, io have a furious nibble, 
At a hard biscuit, call'd a Devil, 
When it is pepperM, butter'd, toasted ; 
In eating which your mouth is roasted, 
Till, being cool'd with healing grog. 
You think it a most sav'ry prog. 

— Perhaps it 's now as well to glance, 
How far our Cruise is on advance : — 
We are not yet far got to Sea, — 
Are scarcely from the Channel free :— ^ 
It was but yesterday P. M. * 
That we from our snug Harbour came. 
YouVe had Departure, Watching, Eating; 
An Exercise t'ensure a beating, 
We hope 'fore long to give the foe. 
I have endeavour'd hard also. 
That you a few on board, should know ; 
Explain'd Amusements, and our Duties ; 
I fear without poetic beauties ; — 
But then, whatever was th' occasion, 
I worshipp'd truth, without cessation !!! — 

Suppose us now, not far at Sea, 
And all as happy as can be ; 



* " P. M.'^ means Post Meridian, aftei* Twelve at Noon ; afe 
*"* A. M." implies Ante Meridian, hefore it. 



218 

Tlie first Watch set ; the rest at supper, 
Cracking their jokes, — of course on crupper ;— 
The time 'bout Nine, — on deck a breeze, 
Which wafts us swiftly o'er the Seas ; — 
As usual, all 'fore night secur*d, 
Cloudy and dark, — the moon obscur'd. 
Just thinking now of downy bed ; - - - - 
When, hark ! — a sound would wake the dead ! 
From Speaking-trumpet: — " Call the Drummer: 
'^ Quick! beat to Quarters '."-^Down went rummer!-— 
Instant ! on deck we spring, with ardent throb. 
And with impatient longings seek the fighting job !!! 

A lofty Ship had thro' the darkness past. 
So close, as almost, when about she cast *, 
To touch us ; inclining, as if to run. 
Before, by us, the figlit could be begun. — 
Our Captain hail'd, but could not understand, 
Therefore he issued the above command ; 
And in a moment's period, not to fail 
In urgent chace, we carried pressing sail.— 
She, as we near'd her, seem'd without a press, 
As if a game at Balls, would not distress; 
Yet still her lofty canvas she maintain'd ; 
And now, having found we'd so much gain'd, 

* ** To cast about," is another way of expressing " Tacking ;'^ 
comin'T round. 



^i9 

As to perceive her of no trifling' force; 

Quickly the Captain orders, "^ Change of course;' 

And instant! " Slack the sheets;" from being fain 

A station on lier leeward-side to gain -y — 

Fearful, if our masts should meet disaster, 

He could not possibly of her be master : 

As she then easily might bear away, 

And not our British Tar's command obey *.— 

Now ready were Britannia's daring Sons 
To fire, with deadly aim, their fateful guns. — ■ 
No battle-lanthorns blaze +, but are prepar'd 
T' illuminate, whene'er the foe has dar'd 
Answer our shot, or fire in fierce defiance, 
And bravely try us in our proper Science. — 
Nothing of this, however, yet appears; — 
And closer to her now our Captain steers: — • 



* When sailing on a wind, should you wish to b>;ar up (^way), 
you slack the Sheets of your lowest Sails, &c. &c. : — this is, " going 
from the wind," free. — If you get to the leeward of a vessel, you 
prevent every possibility of her escaping, except that of outsailing 
you on a wind, and at the same time may go before the wind your- 
self :— thus, if you wish to engage a vessel decisively, you should 
go to leeward ; your losing masts will not be of consequence (so 
much at least), as you are still in the course of your enemy ; but if 
you are to windward, and lose them, your foe leaves you when he 
likes. 

t There are always " Lanthorns" hung round the Gun-deck, at 
certain distances, during an action at night, to give light ; they hare 
covers, which are not taken off (in certain instances) until you fairly 
begin. 



^20 

At length he loudly cries out — " Fire athwart 

'^ Her Quarter," that gun, which can best be brought* 

An instantaneous flash \, and loud report !, 
Prove hozi) we're ready for the dashing sport. 

But, now is come the solemn, awful pause I 
Such as a mortal feels, when his fate draws 
Unto a final crisis ! — Yet, no fear 
Does thro' our cool !, decided Crew ! appear:-^ 
Yet, I confess, when first I acted here, 
(Youth will, I trust, disarm the angry sneer,) 
This, more than awfully tremendous calm, 
Gave me, in shameful truth, a sick'ning qualm ^ 
Ila ! now ^' the winged messenger of death," 
May in an instant stop my vital breath I 
Or I may, sorely wounded, fainting smk ! ^ 

While hov'ring thus on fate's extreraest brink ! v 

On this I did, aye, too !, and trembling I think. J 

But, in a moment were these tremors routed. 
When — " Fire I — my gallant lads," was echoing shouted- 

This is, ho^vever, but an ancient story ; 
We are not now, alack ! in so much glory. 

Scarce had our hostile mandate been begun, 
Explain'd concisely ! by a shotted gun ; 
Our well-arm'd Ship the while approaching fast, 
When his Main-topsail quick comes to the Mast *. 

* When you wish to stop a Vessel's way. Sails must be laid in dif- 
ferent directions; — some full of wind, to keep her from going back- 



S21 

We in a moment brace aback the same. 
And, disappointed, find he is no game !— 
But a great, lumbering, East-India Dane, 
Who would a homeward course direct maintain. 

We board her, — find that it is even so, 
And then, sore vex'd, again to hammocks go. 

Not to dwell too much on a certain theme, 
It may perhaps as well, nay, better seem 
For me to tell you, in this self-same place^ 
That often thus is run a futile race. 
During dark nights, upon the spacious Sea, 
Whose wide expanse is to all neutrals free ; 
These cut the Ocean into numerous sections, 
As they keep traversing in all directions ; 
So that it often haps, in gloomy weather, 
Two vessels crossing routes, thus close together. 
This might be truly a most serious ill. 
Which would tranquillity on Ocean kill, 
Greatly, — were Sailors given to reflection ; 
'Tis well for them they have to thi? objection. 

They know they are not at their own command, 
But in the great Director's guardian hand. — 



wards (having sternway) ; others, with the wind blowing against 
them (aback), to keep her from forging a-head (going on) : — The 
usual method is, to lay the center Sail (Main-top-sail) against tkc 
ISIast. 



222 

^* We do our best 1 — can mortal man 1 do more ? 

*' And tlio' mayliap stern fate may fearful lour, 

" We cannot help it, truly! any way ; 

'' Then why not! with the wise old proverb, say, 

" All cases which admit no earthly cure, 

" My honest people!, faith, you must endure."r— 

Oft, on a dark, a wild, tempestuous night, 
We on a vessel suddenly may light ; 
And if you don't the dreadful shock evade, 
At once, smack smooth your lofty masts are laid. 
This is, alas !, in truth, the least can hap, 
From this so rightly- to-be-fear'd mishap; 
Far oft'ner 'tis mountainous waves form round hen 
Rent by the forceful shock, and make her founder ! 
The foaming billows o'er her furious roll, 
Nor, from destruction, sav'd is one poor soul !!! 

But if th' impending danger we escape, 
Still will it be on tranquil sleep a rape : 
A Ship an enemy we must suppose, 
Till time, convincing, does the truth disclose; 
And sliould it but turn out the sought-for foe, 
Then all the utmost exultation show : 
Jf not! we sulkily to hammocks go.— 

I need not therefore any more repeat, 
That often this event at Sea we meet. 
Also conceive, it 's frequently the case, 
That we 've to set out on a fruitless chace, 



223 

During the d«ij-time : — when we too oft find 
Many sails navigate, not of the kind 
So much desir'd;— but we're in duty bound 
To search them all, that contraband be found : 
I will just let you know the gen'ral way. 
And then shall nothing further on it saj^.— 

Suppose a vessel seen, from the mast-head, 
By the man station'd : — soon as the word's said, 
A Mate or Midshipman is sent aloft, 
(That is, it is requir'd them very oft,) 
Arm'd with a spying-glass, that they may see 
Better, what it is probable she be : 
If clearly ascertain'd a Merchantman, 
'Tis practis'd commonly, (and no bad plan.) 
To steer a course so as she may be met, 
While but the Watch on deck do fit sail set : 
But if she has a roguish-like appearance, 
If to manoeuvres warlike she's adherence, — 
Our Captain is such a keen hand at cruising. 
That he himself is, and for ever, chusing 
To mount the lofty Cross-trees *, or the Yard, 
Nor cares how much in th' ardent feat he's tarr'd. 



* The " Cross-trees," are pieces of timber which project from 
the Mast-heads on each side : — they spread the upper Shrouds, and 
thus support the Masts. — On the Top-mast ones, or Top-gallant 
Yards (still higher), the men sit who have the Look-out, and where 
au Officer is sent with a glass on a strange Sail being seen.-— In going 



224 

Once bis o^vn eyes he fairly satisfies. 

In energetic accent, hark ! — he cries, 

^ On deck there, turn the hands up to make sail." 

And how to steer, you hear him loudly hail. — 

But now, no more, anon I'll end the tale : 

All I would have you just at this time think^ 

Is, that our common routine, daily link 

Of avocations, line of Frigate's duty 

Are often broken thus, thro' search for booty.-* 

This constant overhauling, altering course, 

Would ever be a fruitful, serious source 

Of reck'ning falsely, and would much mislead^ 

Did we not of the Log, and Course take heed. — • 

And here one circumstance I must inform. 

We often board strange sails amidst the storm ! 

This is a difficult, and serious duty, 
In which cool Seamanship has ev'ry beauty. 

First, with nice care, your Vessel should afford 
Good shelter to the daring men who board. — 
In a small fragile skiff, toss'd on the wave. 
You'd think that not e'en Destiny ! could save 
From the death-surge of Ocean's briny tide^ 
The men, who danger boldly thus deride. 



tip (especially in hot weather) you can hardly avoid catching a little 
tar; as the j-opes must have a good quantity about them^ to prevent 
tUe rot, 



2^5 

It is, in truth, an arduous, nervous strife 
Between destruction, and each mortal's life i — 
Yet, — in the instant that a Captain orders, 
No chilling fear the British Tar disorders* — 
At least there neyer is the least demurrage, 
All to obet/y shew strenuous will, and courage, 
Determin'd, let th' event turn out as may. 
None will their hard-earn'd characters betray *.-^ 



* The Author here would fain attempt to impress, as forcibly as 
he can, the extreme service a " Cork-boat" might be made to ren- 
der, whether in this dangerous business of Boarding, Reconnoitring, 
Rowing Guard, sending Dispatches on shore, or other duties of pe- 
culiar importance ; — all of which might be executed by such a Boat, 
with perfect safety to the Crew, at times absolutely impracticable to 
others. It should be as much on the principle of a Life-boat, as 
lightness (for hoisting in and out) and dispatch, to which may be 
added cheapness, will admit of: — to meet the above essential pro- 
perties, perhaps a form between the Whale-boat and Norway Yawl, 
(stem and stern exactly alike however,) to hold Three Rowers, pul- 
ling each a pair of short Oars (as the Yorkshire Cobles), and one 
in the stern and stem, to steer also with an oar, would be found 
best to answer. An arrangement might easily be struck out for 
stowing provisions, water, and compass. The equipments should 
be the same as the Life-boat, with the addition of Coi^k Waist-belts, 
fpr the Crew. It would even be worth while for many Men-of-War 
to purchase such a Boat by subscription. Admirals, or Commanders 
of Squadrons, might however, at all events, be allowed them by 
Government to advantage. — The Author begs to observe, that he 
has no sort of connection with the person who, he believes, has a 
Patent for Life-boats, viz. Mr. Greathead of Shields ; but he has 
been in these, and wishes to add his testimony of their complete 
efficacy. 

Q 



226 

, Imagine— now, three weeks entire hare past 
Since when our Frigate was to Sea-ward cast, — 
That, as recounted, th' abov€ time went o'er 
Without aught happening since we left the shore, 
Of consequence enough t' arrest attention, 
Tho* now I have some noveltj to mention : — 
It so occurr'd, that for this day or two, 
The wind oft shifted, and as often blew ; 
Sometimes fell calm ; sometimes a gathering showV 
Obscures the Sun, and makes th* horizon lour : 
While now and then a heavy, yellow cloud 
Would all, but a contracted prospect, shroud : 
These were infallible prognostics dire. 
That our late gentle Zephyrs *gan to tire. — 
And now — behold ! — from clouds a vacant space, 
Swift Whirlwinds spring, and o'er the waters race : 
When lo ! a truly awful, wond'rou* sight !!! — 
A Pillar rising to majestic height. 
E'en to the clouds ! — from eddying foaming Seas, 
By the most solemn^ gradual^ grand degrees ; 
Heaven's expansive concave seems io close, 
As if to more stupendously impose, 
While a cadaverous dull leaden hue 
Is stampt upon th' intently gazing Crew : 
Till that the liquid Pillar's form we trace, 
Cloth'd in the darkest shades, which now displace 



227 

The ashy tint ; — while as it slow ascends, 

This sullen gloom more gloomily extends : — 

Scarce is its pointed base in yapour lost, 

Than Heaven's mighty cisterns to exhaust 

Their rainy pow'rs seem steadfastly inclined ; 

As those who watch on deck most lamentably find. 

This ever striking, grand phenomenon !, 

We Sailors often meet with on the run 

We make at Sea ; — Tars it does not appal. 

But stranger Landman greatly ; — 'tis what all, 

A " Water-spout," on Ocean aptly call*. — 

Sometimes altho' it happens on the main. 

That it don't thus come down in pelting rain : 

For oft, alas ! it bursts before ascent, 

And to a rush of wet gives fatal vent. 

If then a miserable Ship appear, 

And to the dreadful torrent be too near, 



* A " Water-spout," has, at first, the appearance of a pillar of 
water resting on the Sea, and capt with a lov\', dark cloud: — ^the 
hurried ascent of the fluid may, when near, be distinctly perceived : 
— at length the cloud rises, witli the Water-spout attached, which 
quits the Sea, and becomes pointed at the base, ascending slowly, 
until lost in the atmosphere. It afterwards breaks in rain, but some- 
times bursts while the water is in a column ; — -then ! is the danger.— 
The cloud, wath the Spout attached, is often also impelled by the 
wind, during ascent ; in which case the pillar inclines from its per- 
pendicular, according to the velocity of movement, 

q2 



228 

Stove are her decks, rent widely are her sides; 
And the ingulphing abyss soon e'en vestige hides. 

They tell you, to prevent this fatal ill, 
You should expend upon't what 's call'd a Pill, — 
By Sailors that is, for they'll have their joke, 
Altho' their life's " fine thread" is all but broke : — 
Therefore, whenever near towards it got. 
They give their dose, — id est, they fire a shot. — 
The Water-spout, this smart concussion breaks. 
And too, before it serious mischief makes. — 
I cannot say I ever saw the use. 
But still it may not be of sense abuse. 

Besides these warning signs, toward the Westy 
The dingy Porpoise speeds its very best, 
With wond'rous swiftness, cleaving the salt wave,. 
In which they don't, with lazy tumblings, lave. 
As sometimes wont, raising an ugly snout. 
Not unlike hogs, while floundering about ; 
Oft single; — but with num'rous Scool * seem skimming 
The foaming surface, more than simple swimming. 

Grains, Hooks, and Gigs,with the barb'd, dread Harpoonf , 
Are straio-lit prepar'd, as we contemplate soon 

* A ** Scool of Fish/' implies a flock ;. an immense number. 

t " Grains," and "Gigs," are nearly the same instrument; — 
both have four or more prongs (sometimes barbed), with a long 
handle, to which is attached a cord. — ^The difference lays in the 
size- — The " Harpoon" is stronger ; a single-barbed spear, with a 
liiie also. — Each is darted by hand at the fish. 



329 

To have a dash at them ;--perhaps next mom.— 

Now^ we must meet, the brewing, threat'ning Btorm ; 

Which is expected from the western sky, 

As, see !, towards 't these fish prophetic fly. — 

For, ever from the part for which they nose, 

Soon, we remark a fresh, oft high gale blows; 

The last, what ev'ry thing at present shows. — 

As further proof— source of a sad dismay 

To some of us on board ;— do look, I pray ; — 

Behold dread Mother Gary's * fairy chicken, 

Which closely round the lab'ring vessel thicken, 

Superstitious souls, with qualms, to sicken.— 

" O ! Bird in shape — but wicked sprite, 

*' In whom such witcheries unite, 

*^ Who shew the sea-toss'd Tar such spite ! — 

" You Mother Gary !, Ould Nick's deary !, 

** Ah don't, I pray now, be contrary ; — 

'^ Do with your pitch-black lover sip, 

*' Only forget to make us dip, 

'' At least, good Lady, this one trip." 



* The small Sea-birds, called by Sailors " Mother Gary's 
Chickens," resemble Martins: — they only make their appearance 
just before or during bad weather; hence are no favourites. — Strange 
powers are ascribed them and the Witch, Mother Gary, who, it is 
supposed, sends them. This superstition is, however, confined only 
to a few old Seameii. 



230 

So pray'd old ugly John the Cook, "N 

With such true whimsicality of look, > 

That my whole frame with bursting laughter shook. J 

Just in the midst of anxious pray'r, 
Bolt upright stood his greasy hair; 
That is, as much as grease would let, 
I mean it look'd upon the fret. — 
That desperate Heathen, Sandy Mayne, 
Had, O the wretch ! a musket ta'en, 
And feathered — kill'd perhaps, a sprite : 
Now certainly the witch will spite ; 
And poor old Jack to crazy quite. — 
Whew ! but some unlucky Youngster 
Tries, — would you think it ? — to be songster !— 
Whistles too ! — whistles ! 'fore the gale, 
Thrice«fearful wind-up to my tale ! — 

No sooner heard the fearful whistle, 
Than gummy Jack begins to drizzle, 
Not pearly dew-drops from the rose. 
Such as from weeping beauty flows ; 
But such as slowly oozes when. 
The coal is full of bitumen ! — 
As much from nose, as e'er from eyes, 
Accompanied by heavy sighs : 
^^ O Lord ! — ould Mother Carey vexf,» 
" Davy, with whistling d — d perplext ; 
" And in the Ship too Parson Text ! — 



^' It's all up with us !— that 's most sartin !, 
" Deyil a bit, we make our fortin l^ 
" All hands will be misfortunet !, 
" I would my whole allowance bet !" — 
Thus vex'd in spirit, down be goes, 
Blowing like horn his great conch nose. 
Unsettled weather had indeed begun. 
Becoming worse, as clos'd our this day's run ;— 
For mark ! — before the first dog-watch *s bell^ 
From the west quarter had set in a swell !— 
As the Sun sinks, it spreads a wat'ry glare, 
That worse than darkness is. — The hollow air 
Now breaks, at intervals, the awful hush, 
With an impressive sort of moaning rush.-— 
These passing blasts come sweeping from the west, 
Which threatening horizon is quickly drest 
In all the blackness, sablest black can boast; 
Looking most like the frowning, shrouded coast : 
That is, it is of such compact adherence 
As to have to an i'rn-bound coast appearance * : 
Tho' now we*re cruising very far from shore, 
Lisbon, the nearest port within our pow'r. 
But we don't turn our thoughts to seeking port. 
A very pretty milk-and-water sort 



* A bluff, rocky coast is denominated, by Mariners, " iron- 
bound.*^ 



232 

Of useless, fearful Lubbers, we should be, 

To care forsooth !, for gales of wind at Sea. — 

To think, without the last necessity, 

On Home, and Harbour ! — When that we 

Have, buffeting old Davy, cruising been 

From two, to three full m0nths at least between, 

'Tis fair enough — we then may want fresh prog, 

And water sweet, to mix our cheering grog ;— * 

Besides it then would surely justice be, 

That by that time, we should our sweethearts see. 

And from all connexions, good Friends too, hear^ 

Which ever does of course our spirits cheer.—'. 

But now 'tis truly quite une autre chose I 

So, each smart Sailor squints and blows his nose, 

And buttons close, before to mount aloft 

He chewing goes,— and too, for fear that dofft * 

May be his hat or cap, or dropt his knife, 

(Than which, he almost might as well lose life,) 

He ties them safely to him, with a twine ; 

Nor cares he now, tho' Elements coinbine 

To bang him, on the lofty yards about :— ? 

The more they bluster, why I the more he'll shout. 



Dofft," means forced off, — thrown off. 



233 

Now hai'k!— before the beH'wing Tempest rails, \ 

Hands are turn'd up to reef the too-stretch-d sails ; > 

A serious calling, at which ho one fails. ^ 

Some Midshipmen unto the tops repair, 
The daring Seamen swing aloft in air, 
Soon as securely they've down clew'd the yard, ^ 

And spilt the swelling sail, from flapping-hard ; ^ 

(No reefing possible, was this not barr'd), — ^ 

Midshipmen, I have said, are always station'd 
In the tops, as seniority occasion'd ; 
Two Youngsters whom I spoke before about, 
Are in the mizen^top, and both too out 
At top-sail yard-arms, as the Captain bade them : 
By which means smart young Seamen he had made them* 

Yet, tho' he wish'd them ever to be fir'd 
With ardent spirit,--he had not desir'd, 
By any kind of means, they should necks break. 
For merely a fool-hardy daring's sake ;— 
Yet this in spite, these two young rival chaps, 
(As it indeed with older ones oft haps) 
Shew'd the same obstinate determin'd pride 
They did, when strength at cudgelling was tried. — 
One taunting swears, if t'other is as bold, 
He will bestride the earincr without hold r 
No sooner is the daring challenge ta'en. 
By t'other, of the self-same stubborn grain, 



234 

Than Hsnry looses both his hands, and cries! 

O Lord ! O Lord ! — and from the yard-arm ♦ flies !!!- 



The woe-struck Captain sees the fav'rite Boy, 

His Sister's only Child, her chiefest joy, 

Thus misierably lose the fair^t life 

That youth e'er dawn'd, thro' the most foolish stifel 

Wildly conruls'd !, he scarce has pow'r to say, 

^^ O! low'r away the Jolly-boat, I pray: — 

^' Cut loose the Life-buoy + ! " — ^but alas ! before 

This could be done — the Youngster was no more \\\ 



* The *' Yard-arms" are the parts which project over the Sea; 
the ** Earing'* is the extreme end of these Yard-arms, where the 
Reefs of the Sails at their extremities are secured. To make lads 
Seamen, they should ever be made to practise the duties of Seamen. 
The Mizen-top is the smallest of the three, where Youngsters are 
first stationed. 

f The *' Jolly-boat" is the smallest in the Ship, and generally 
kept ready for lowering in case of accidents. — ^l"'he ** Life-buoy" is 
usually of cork, with places for people to hold by : — it will support 
more than one person. 



235 

At least, most thought so; — ^but brave Sandy Maynk, 

We now perceiv'd, did the poor Boy sustain 

Above the billows ; holding by a rope 

He had in hand:-^0! now! there's room for hope! 

^ut busy fears our anxious hopes appal. 

When we reflect upon the serious fall. — 

As soon ai possible the boat is low'rd. 

And, in a moment's period, makes toward: — 

They get them in.— And what now do you think? 

Ben Brace, while standing on the Gangway's brink. 

Clearing some rope, observ'd poor Henry fall, 

And instantly, without a thought at all. 

Of self, of coming storm, or mountain wave, 

Jumps from the deck, the struggling Youth to save ! 

Thou might'st have found, good fellow!, thy own grave. 

But Providence benign has sent us luck, 

For none have been by Death's dark arrow struck, 

And our right-worthy, gallant Sandy Mayne, 

Did from us heart-felt admiration gain. 

He happily bad seen young Haury light. 

And buoyant float, the serious fall in spite ; 

Nimbly, he firmly grasps a ready corrd. 

And from the quarter jumps the Youth toward ; 

Our Frigate had not much way through the Sea, 

So that they lay just by the Vessel's lee : 



236 

Brave Sandy Mayne, by a strong rope supported, 

While his left arm the helpless Youngster courted. 

As for our proper, noble, daring Brace, 

Who made his dash with such a manly grace, 

You may, and no Lavater, clearly trace 

From the expression of his happy face, 

That merely doing it 's indeed enough 

Reward for him ; — he's of such sterling stuff III 

However, after shifting his wet tog. 

He gets from Chief a north-west glass of grog * ; 

And the regard too of our thankful Captain, — 

Love of the Youth, — esteem of the good Chaplain. 

Time from the grateful Boy, would ne'er erase 

His love for Sandy Mayne and brave Ben Brace ! 

A stun severe ! was all the hurt that griev'd 

Poor Henry, when from briny wave reliev'd; — 

What none on board at first would have believ'd. 

Now, tho' the Captain's falt'ring voice, flush 'd face, 
Prov'd he had feelings Man cannot disgrace. 
Occasioned by his lov'd young Nephew's danger: 
*' Presence of mind" was, ne'er the less, no stranger: 
For to the Vessel's duty he attended, 
And as a perfect Seaman storm forefended, — 



* " Tog" means Clothes. — A north-west wind is in general a 
strong one : — apply this to grog. 



237 

But mark tlio' ! he tlie First Lieutenant lets 
Reduce the canras, which he also sets ; — 
In short, he makes him execute his order, 
So long as it is done, without disorder. — ^ 

A real Seaman cannot e'er abide, 
That hastily, and oft, his Chief should chide, 
The while he's strenuously about his duty : ^ 
No interruption !, is essential beauty ! — 
When once a necessary order 's given. 
If the men are, from hasty caprice, driven. 
To do aught else, 'tis a perplexing thing ; 
What must vexatiously good Seamen sting ; 
Whenever that a First Lieutenant 's tried, 
And of his talents his Chief satisfied ; 
Directions from the Captain once well told, — 
He should not triflingly disturb,~some hold ! 
Because that a Commander's voice, at Sea, 
Should in eflfect almost terrific ! be. — 
The Officers and Crew should ever dread 
A reprimand by Captains justly said. 
More than a place even among the dead \\\ 
Only suppose, a horror panic ! seizes 
On a Ship's Crew, and their blood, death-like ! freezes ; 
Will a voice hesnd familiarly each day, 
In trifling orders, turn from the heart awajr^ 
The fatal shock ?~-Can that man e'er avert 
This fearful ill, who must (and oft'times) court ?— 



£38 

For in conducting daily, hard routine, 

Officers must, at times, to courting lean ; 

Of course, I mean, undue extremes between. 

No ! — I have never seen it, — never !, — never ! : 

luei a man be however passing clever. 

But if a Ship's Crew do but understand 

That their smart Captain never will command, 

Until a circumstance perchance occurs, 

Which to the full extent his spirit stirs ; 

Which to meet well, their utmost heart requires ; 

'Tis then his rapid action ^ach one fires ! 

Like an electric spark, we feel pervade 

Orders which from the brazen trump are made !— 

Impending danger yields ! — we conquer fate !— 

Say, has not this its use ?-— is it not great ? 

Of course a Captain ever should convince, 
That he does not from smaller duties wince 
Thro' ignorance ! — how easy it is done , 
At the first outset of a Vessel's run. — 
If not a Seaman ? — surely, he 's not wise 
Who to display a smatt'ring knowledge tries 
In paltry trifles! — this^ all hands despise!!! 
'Tis better quietly to gain experience, 
By having to attention strict adherence, 
Until it is not merely false appearance ! 
In order now t' exemplify the thing, 
I will a real story forthwith bring : 



^39. 

Not from old times, but from a recent tale^ 
That ne'er to warm a British Tar can fail.-— 

And, for the date, — 'twas on that fateful daj^ 
When gallant Nelson did a reck'ning pay, 
His injur'd, scoff 'd-at Country, long had ow'd: 
Had been a sadly galling, heavy load 
Upon our poor Britannia's patient spirit; 
Treacherous^^ neutral Innovation," to wit. 
Our best !, our very vital rights !, they shook, 
Written, our own, in Justice's fair book ; 
How those, whose ancestors did help to stock 
The British Isles, could ever wish to shock 
Our dearest feelings I — e'er could hostile try 
To make our fair, our well-earn'd Commerce, lie 
At the fell mercy of one grasping nation, 
Ambitious France!!! — Poor Europe's situation 
Far I from better'd ; — for to say one can think 
It could improve its state, our wealth to sink 
Into the specious Gallic Plund'rer's lap, — 
Or that but France could gain by our mishap, 
Were execrable vice, — or madness certain ! 
Take but a single peep behind the curtain, 
Gaul cries ! — Lay but Britannia's Commerce low, 
And at our feet the world itself must bow* !!! 



* What Nation?, ancient or modern, has so just 3 right to enjoy 
its riches as England ?— To the noble industry of her Children is 



240 

But common reason is not always best. 

In such an age as this ! the sword 's the test ! — 



she entitled for her pre-eminence in Arts and Manufactures ; — to 
peophng new, and;, it may be said, uninhabited regions of the world ; 
and to legitimate conquest, is she indebted (in part) for the sale of 
them ; the profits are meritorious, and hardly earned. — What but 
the envy of Demons !, or imbecility of Idiots !, would take them 
from us? — The weaker Powers should support us with an enthu- 
siasm, such as is produced by interest and self-preservation. — 
England is the trust-worthy deposit for that stake, which, when the 
rapacity of more powerful neighbours deprives them of other means, 
will be found entire, — and save them from destruction. — But 
England has the Commerce of the World ! and a Navy to maintain 
it ! — She monopolizes the Ocean ? — Granted ! — France commands 
the soil of Europe and its inhabitants ! she has armies to continue 
it ! — This is a sufficient answer ! — for it must strike every one, that 
England must monopolize one way, — ^while France does the other — 
If, by dividing part of her commerce amongst Weak nations, you 
would secure them from France, it would be happy for Great Bri- 
tain ! — But the misfortune is, that whatever you take from her, at 
this crisis, only serves to aggrandize her insatiate enemy. — By di- 
viding, is meant, giving them hack the Commerce their own folly !, 
wickedness !, or forced submission to the will of France !, have oc- 
casioned us to deprive them of: — and to prove that the proportion 
they enjoyed was not trifling, the Author believes he needs go no 
further than an appeal to the Navy of this Country, who nmst know 
that the Sea literally sivarmed with Neutrals ! — Do not the very 
efforts they have made to prevent their vessels from being searched, 
prove the *' Extent of the Trade," as well as the " sinister principle 
on which it is conducted?" — Great Britain never yet closed a war, 
"Without giving up many, at times veri/ many, conquests! — She 
must!, she will I do it again, or deserve annihilation!!!; — ^but not 
until her ozun vital interests, and those of others, will permit it. — 
And, while upon this truly momentous subject, it may not be 
thought unworthy of observing, that it would be no difiicult matter 
to prove, " Commerce cannot exist, without a certain degree of 



Ml 

Therefore, great Nelson S, — first invoking God, 
Shook o'er the first he reach'd, stern Retribution's rod ! 
Laid Copenhagen's floating barrier low, 
Until to ruin lay expos'd the foe. — 



Monopoly ;" in the present instance better deserving the name of 
a " Directing Principle, a Soul ! ;" — and that this " vital Principle" 
has been, is, and ought ever to remain centered in Great Bri- 
tain. " That Commerce cannot exist without an impulse from 

one quarter," may be briefly proved on the general ground^ that 
"Anarchy, terminating in w^^er destruction!. Slavery!, or Mono- 
poly!, has invariably followed every attempt to obtain Equality;'' — 
(which the inequality of the huinan intellect is sufficient alone to 
prove cannot exist, nor could have been the Creator's intention 
should exist). — ^This, applied to Commerce, shews, that an equal 
division of its Profits, at this moment, amongst Nations not other- 
tvise equal, would only take from those zvho could not spare it, to 
make one! the more powerful; — in short, " only insure a Monopoly 
somewhere.'' ^As a proof*' that this Monopoly, or rather Direct- 
ing Principle, has been in Great Britain," we need only look to 
the Continents and Islands she has explored !> peopled!, extracted 
Produce from ! — the date, it may be said, of a " general Commer- 
cial Spirit in the World :" — for her Sons have instructed, and her 

Capital assisted, those very Nations now in league against her! 

" That the Commerce of the World is at her supreme direct on,'*^ 
requires no proof! ; — and *' that it should ever be," (though not to 
the present extent, when p©ssible to reduce it,) may be proved on 
the principle first set out with, viz, " that unless a preponderating 
Influence rests with one Nation, Anarchy, &c. &c. must ensue :" — 
that therefore, as Monopoly must be ; it is impossible for it to be 
lodged in a country affording greater natural barriers against Uni- 
versal Dominion than Great Britain :— whose separation from 
others by the Ocean, and whose trifling population, exclusive of 
her Industry, aptitude to Commercial Pursuits, and established Ho- 
nour!, denote her, really and safely, the *^ Soul of Commerce." - 

May the eyes of all nations soon be opened to this truth! — and may 
they acquire pother to assert their conviction !!! — 

R 



242 

Well!— did no bright example, d4a'France, 

Destroy the town, — make the rebellious dance 

LaLanterne!, Noyadel^ Fusillade I ^ because 

These shocking, wicked subjects did not pause 

To execute their lawful Prince's order, 

Standing the while even on ruin's border ! ; 

But did obey the mandate in such style 

As made our loyal Tars admiring smile. 

No!— gallant British Njelson never came 

A nation to annihilate!, but tame !!! 

People, obeying such a righteous calling, 

Did not, he thought, deserve such dreadful mauling. 

Whenever Rulers will make recompence, 
To stop ! is justice !, mercy ! back'd by sense! 

Ah, but, alas ! be|bre this taming could. 
Scuppers * were overflow'd with streams of blood ! 
This most tremendous trial of War's science, 
Was between men who had a near alliance; 
But Danes beguil'd, and Englishmen could smother 
Ev'ry idea of kindred with each otlier : 
For we perceive as dire, as bitter rage, 
As ever chronicled in Naval page ; 



* " Scuppers" are small channels, made from the deck, through 
the sides, to carry off any water, and of course blood, should »uch 
be on them. 



2i3 

Tiie very bloodiest battle, all agree. 
On our part, this last fitrious war at sea ; 
On tlieks, 't was absolute extermination ! 
Not even one Ship left , to take a station !!! — 

It was on this day's sanguinary fight, 
A Fifty * of ours soon became a sight 
Indeed most dismal ! — torn by heavier shot, 
While many a noble Tar found death his lot ! 
The Quarter-deck a scene at length displayed, 
In the most horrid form of death array'd, 
When the few who were yet from slaughter sav'd, 
Turn'd an imploring, speaking eye, and crav'd, — 
But, mark me ! not a word!'.! — " some little mercy, 
" That Heav'n for this, must surely reimburse ye I" 

Thus, to the Captain ! — and the piteous look 
His ev'ry nerve with agitation shook ! — 
But then it was his firmly fix'd resolve, 
That let destructive fate howe'er involve 
Himself, his Ship, — and more — his gallant Crew, 
Still would he at his station'd post be true!!! — 

Whiz !■— again comes another murd'rous ball 
Sweeping down some, unnerving even all ! 
This, human nature cannot now withstand, — 
They turn ! when, hark ! — the ardent Chief command^ 

* A " Fifty-gun'^ Ship, is the smallest class of Two-deckers brought 
into the Line, although they are not properly Line-of-Battle Ships. 

r2 



244 

^^ Stand to your guns. Men," in a voice of thunder, 
^^ Stand ! I say, Sailors, tbo' you're cut asunder!!! " — 

Scarce was the energetic Hero heard, 
Than they attend !, aye dread ! his angry word 
Far more than death's uplifted vengeful stroke, 
No more aghast ! — the spell of Terror 's broke,— 
Again their deep-mouth'd guns with fury rattle, 
And yet more deadly fierce ! they urge the battle, 
The more they're crush'd, the more they raise the cheer t 
Banish'd is ev'ry sense of panic fear. 
At length the fruits of such brave toil they share, 
For lo! — the stubborn foe explodes in air !!! — 
The dread concussion, and the splinters, force 
Our batterM hulk, at lastj to alter course ; 
Tho* ne'er before ! — altho' the rival Ship 
With heavier metal, did her vitals rip. 

Now, tho^ the First Lieutenant cheer'd and cheer'd, 
Yet, as it in this real fact appeared, 
He was not, so much as the Captain^ feared! 

Reader, I trust I have been understood, 
And made ray own position pretty good.— 
If Firi.t Lieutenants are not rightly clever, 
'Twere better far that they from Captains sever, 
Than stay, and hear them constantly find fault 
And hint, " they are not worthy of their salt," — 
Or pluraply say : 
But this v/a'? not our Captain's way ; ' 



us 

If e'er an Officer amiss behav'd, 
With us, he still was from exposure sav'd 
On deck, before all hands : — ^a certain source 
Of fatal strife ! — ^as Sailors think of course 
Such Officers know not about their trade ; 
And therefore think they need not be obejr'd. 
Indeed for this, there can be no defence ; 
And the invariable consequence 
Is, that the bands which form a due obedience, 
Slacken,— or break, — giving a sad precedence 
To disagreements !, murmurs !, fatal strife ! 
Ending at last — how oft! — ^in loss of life III — 
Court-martials come, in serious, dread array. 
And will the dismal reckoning sternly pay !— » 
When (as I've said) an Officer did wrong, 
He was not told it 'fore the list'ning throng ; 
But into Captain's Cabin being order *d, 
Was in a way, and, too, by harshness border'd^ 
Timely reprov'd by the indignant Chief, 
And firmly told, " That, tho' 't would be with grief, 
" Yet, from a sense, — ever so^ paramount,— ^ 
^' Of strictest Naval Duty, he may count, 
" That if his observations now don't mend, 
-*' Nothing on earth shall save him from the end 
" He then would merit : needless 'tis to say, 
" That then a Martial-court shall misdeeds pay !!! " 



S46 

In Service, such as ours, necessity 
Bids^ thut we may young Lieutenants see ; 
Some may not be, at first, sufficient clever ; 
But, if they do their very best endeavour. 
Surely none should their willing spirit, break, 
By constant anger ;--"but essay to make 
These young men what 'tis requisite they should be, 
And what, if but encourag'd, doubtless would be. 

If men are old, and past a due exertion, 
It is of present glory no desertion ; 
But the direct reverse, — if they request 
To have a Post, including greater rest. 
When Officers have lost activity. 
And (except youths) without ability 
To persevere, is wretched slavery ! 
Nay ! — 'tis in fact unto the Nation wrong ; 
For, to our active Navy must belong 
Such OfF'cers as are able to secure 
The glorious Service on a basis sure ; 
Are brave !, — are clever !, — and can toil endure !!! 



END OF CANTO IV. 



CANTO V. 



tttgumenn 

Further precautions against the Gale, which now bursts on the Ship 
in a fequall of Wind, Thunder, Lightning, and Rain — Moun- 
tainous Wave — Lurch in consequence — Top-gaUant Yards got on 
Deck, and Masts struck, under very trying circumstances — 
Captain no longer refrains from giving the Word of Command — 
A Man falls from the Main-top, and breaks his collar-bone — 
Cockpit scene in consequence — Sea-Sickneis — Incidents in the 
Gale — It becomes steady, bnt blov,'s hard — A plan of the First 
Lieutenant's — Bonetta and Albicore come abc-ut the Ship— Pre- 
parations to catch ther.i — Ben Brace an excellent Harpooner — 
How it came about — His Life, Marriage, &c, mentioned. 



/ 



TH5r 

C R U I S R 



CANT O V. 

jS O W to detail the gale's progressioSj 
With, I hope, no undue digression : 
Our First Lieutenant having made 
Such sail as Captain's orders bade, 
Namely, — " three closely-reef d top-sails," 
And ^' main-sail * furl'd*' from furious gales; — 
All the " top-gallant gear + unbent," 
That yards be ready to be sent 



-* " The Mainsail" is the largest in a Ship, and too powerful for 

very blowing weather ; it is therefore furled. 

f " Gear," means any thing belonging to, — as, a Boat's Gear, — 
Fishing Gear, — implying what is necessary to both : — so to a Yard. 
*' Top-gallant Yards," are (generally speaking) the highest rigged 
ones in a Vessel ;— the " Royal ones," still higher, are not usually 
rigged, but set what is called Flymg. — " Unbending" the Gear, 
implies clearing such appendages as would prevent the Yards coming 
down. 



250 

On deck, in case the gale increases. 

Altho' we think, before it ceases. 

It will not, cannot well be long. — 

(However here, all hands were wrong.) 

But it is never a right things 

When cruising, these on deck to bring 

Without an absolute occasion. 

A Man-of- War's best situation 

Is, when she can make such sail. 

As may be carried in the gale ; 

In trim at once to chase and steer 

After the foe, when such appear : 

^' Storm stay -sails" too, we forthwith bend, 

Whose texture strong, winds scarce can rend *. 

The Gunner and his Crew go round, 
And have their cannon firmly bound + ; 
Foreboding too the lightning's gleam. 
Some swabs, which with sea-water teem, 
They place together on the floor, 
Close to the Magazine's dread door, 



* " Storm Stay-sails" are small triangular sails, made of the 
strongest canvass ; and only set in gales of wind. 

t It is a very great point, to have the cannon well secured in 
bad weather, as the motion is tremendously violent at tunes, and 
their breaking loose fatal— The manner of doing it is, by what is 
termed " double-breeching," " electing," and " lashing them in 
to the sides by the messenger."— -The first is usually sufficient. 



251 

The Carpenter inspects the wings. 
And if there's any lumber, flings 
The same away, — as nought but gear 
For gales of wind should here appear *. 
For instance, ropes to save the mast; 
As ^' Runners with their Tackles f " fast. 
E'en these are lash'd to stanchions :]:, so as 
Good room the Carpenter to go has, — 
The passage clear is, at each side. 
That we may stop with plugs the tide. 
Which follows shot-holes ; — this, our Chief 
Notes down expressly in the leaf 
Of written orders : — oft he sees 
Himself!, that care be paid to these. — 
Our Carpenter may therefore steer 
Thro' all the wings^ and find them clear; — 
Then he must pay to pumps attention ; 
To spars ||, — that there be no prevention 



* All our Men-of-War have narrow passages, partitioned off from 
the sides, im ler water, denominated '< wings,'' in order to admit 
men to stop shot-holes, &c. &c. — Only some tssential gear, not con- 
siderable enough to block a passage, is admitted in ttiem. 

f " Runners" are used in sotting up the rigging, that is, tightning 
it ; and if a shroud breaks, or stay, replaces it pro tempore. 

% '' Stanchions" are a kind of wooden pillar, which support the 
beams. 

!j " Spars" mean the spare masts, yards, &c. &c. ships have. 



252 

On his part^ should the furious gale^ 
Or spring a mastj or make us bale,--»* 
Dead-lights * are also got to hand^ 
Ready for fixture, at command. 
Belittles f they shut too^—chests securej 
Thai these mayn't some poor wretch immure 
Amongst them^—or between hatch»ways 
Some hapless mortal's shin-bones graze. 
Our glassj and crock'ryj are put by. 
The lest we have their loss to cry. — 
Old cranky Davy I oft will rob 
Otir onc6 gay beaufets, — doleful job !-«- 
For it occasions sad expence^ 
As ^ve must buy in our defence. 

Well^ now supposcj all this is done^ 
Before has set the angry sun ;- — 
Suppose that evVy thing takes place 
At the same time, as is the case ; 
For in a British Man-of-War, 
Duties are portion 'd to the Tar, 
Doing the man?/ is no bar.— 



* *< Dead-lights'' are strong wooden shutters, to secure the Cabin! 
■windows astern ; as ** half-ports" do those at the sides, and whic^j 
are continued the whole length of upper gun-decks :—^they are also 
a kind of shutter, with a hole for the gun to go through. 

t " Scuttles*' are small openings, near the water, to admit light 
and air; always closed in bad weather. 



253 

So then conceit^e the Ship made tight. 

As real Seamen thiuk it right ; — 

That Helmsmen's ship the hooded coat 

Of painted canvass, dress afloat. 

In weather rough, of right good Y/orth •<; 

Thus are they dry, as in their birth,— 

For boots of hardy Fisher suit. 

When oird, from fe€t the wet to shoot *»— 

That but the watch looks out at last.— ^ 

That onward corned the rushing blast; 

That deepest darkness spreads around. 

That hollow thunders 'gin to sound, 

And foaming, mountain-billows bound. — 

That, as the Tempest comes apace, 

Lightnings alone illume the space 

Of Heav'n's contracted vault, and sear its face 



* There are always, in Men-of-War, when the weather is bad, 
" four Helmsmen,*' besides occasional assistance from what are 
termed ** relieving Tackles." — ^The trick, or spell, at the Helm is 
usually two hours (often repeated in the course of twenfty-four 
hours), duriBg which time they are exposed, frequently, to torrents 
of rain and spray. Some Captains order the above coats to be made 
expressly for the Helm in bad weather, by which means much sick- 
ness is prevented. ^The ** Helm" means, generally, the maehinc 

Jjy which a vessel is guided: in all, but small craft, it is composed 
of three parts, viz. the "Rudder," on tke outside; the *VTiller," 
a biar of wood within, which jnoYes it;^ and th« **Wkeel," whicfe 
again works the Tiller. 



- ^54 

The feeling I can never tell 
That first I felt,— it was farewell, i 

A sort of solemn, dread, farewell 
To our own world ; as tho' we were 
Shut out from circumambient air 5 
As tho' ordain'd from light to go. 
And sail 'mongst shades to worlds below !l!— 

Not long does this wild threat'ning warn. 
An aspect even Tars don't scorn, — 
For hark ! — the Heavens torn asunder ^ 

Seem, by that awful clap of thunder 1 
Instant, the Vessel glares with light, 
Each countenance breaks on the sight, 
Tho' but now rapt in deepest shade : — 
This the broad flame of lightning made!— 
'Tis past ! all 's still more dark again. 
When down in torrents rushes rain. 
Hah! — " Ease her quick!" the Captain cries, 
Who a tremendous wave espies. — 
'Tis quickly done :— had it not been. 
No standing mast we should have seen^c 

Down lays the Frigate a carreen, 
And at the moment all hands lean, — 

* By a management of the Helm^ a vessel is " eased," when she 
meets a heavy sea ; that is, she is made to approach it more gradu- 
ally : was this not most carefully attended to, the effects would be 
ruii^us. 



255 

Cling ! to the liove-up weather side. 
For deep the other drinks the tide I — 
This, with an in-board rumbling noise. 
The Landsman's busy fear employs. 
Some coils, or things not well secur'd, 
Had, in the lurch *, been forc'd to leew'rd ; 
These o'er the decks in thunders sound. 
Most so, if empty casks rebound : 
Noises within, those without drown'd.— > 
Guns 'gin to creak, and oft a swash, 
Shipp'd from the waves, the decks now wash; 
Therefore each Hatch is batten'd down, 
(That is. Tarpaulins, Gratings crown +) ^ 
One's open aft tho', that a few 
May mount on deck, — or else the Crew 
Might be half swamp'd below in bed; 
As th' upper deck in gales is laid. 
Flooded!, devour'd!, by famish 'd Seas, 
Which, seemingly, would all parts seize; 



* " A Lurch," is, when a vessel falls over on one sid^, from a 
wave pressing on the other. 

f " Gratings" are covers for the Hatchways, made of wood, 
with a number of small square spaces to admit Jight. " Tarpaulins'* 
are pieces of strong canvass, painted, so as to become impervious. to 
water : they are placed over the Gratings in bad weather, and, wha*" 
is called, *' battened down;" which is, being nailed to the deck by- 
means of slips of wood, which keep them close down. 



^56 

These, let us do our best, are rude, 
And oft on hapless Tars intrude : 
Vessels will work with furious fret^ 
And many must below ^et wet. 

The pumps should ever be attended. 
And stench, by fresh sea-water, mended; 
That is, whene'er you dmw fotd out, 
Fresh should be made to run about : 
As oft a dismal accident 
Happens, when vapour has not venL 
It is the Carpenter's disgrace, 
If such a thing at all lake place; 
For it's ills duty men to tell, 
In proper time, '^ to clean the v/ell *."— 
Thro' lack of this, I one time knew ^ 
A lamentable thing accrue, — 
Two Sailors fell ; — one died outright, 
The other, ne'er rccover'd quite ! 



* "The Well/* is in the centre of a Ship, to which there is a 
communication from every part of the bottom, by channels, called 
*' Limbers ;" consequently, whatever water or liquid is in the Ship 
finds its way here, and is called *' Bilge Water.'* As dirt and stuff 
Vvill be ill the Hold, the water gets impregnated, and turns black, 
•and offensive to a degree, and lull of vapour, if allowed to remain; 
it is therefore of great consequence to pump it off frequently, and 
let in fresh sea-wotcr, to cleanse as much as possible; which is agaim 
pumped off. 



257 

So you perceive what was the cost,— 

Two valuable men were lost !!! — 

It is however only needful. 

To be of this in Harbour heedful^ 

Or at Sea-calm ; — in gales, the source 

Of leakage is in too great force, 

To let us have to cocks * recourse. — * 

Now, tho' we pump'd and pump'd agaia. 

Yet, in spite of every pain. 

The water would be still returning. 

And in the limbers kept such churning. 

That an unpleasant, noisome smell 

Of Bilge- water does some impel, 

Added to the Ship's great motion, 

Rather tow'rds a squeamish notion ;-«^ 

Landmen's far most bitter potion, 

When rough Davy Jones they cross, 

And for the first time feel him toss t 

This so exhausts a helpless wight^ 

That he can neither sip nor bite. 

But loses strength and spirit quite.— 

Some men are oft so truly bad. 

That e'en death's stroke they would have had 



* Small pipes run through the sides of Men-of-War, so low down 
as to convey water to the interior, when wanted ; which is com- 
manded by " Turn-cocks," 

s 



258 

As soon as not. 
Nor move a jot, 

Tho' loudly threaten'd on the spot! 
Not only limbs are paralizM, 
But manly sense is so disguis'd, 
That it is heard but in, O dear ! 1 
Thrice-grand expression for a Hero !— 
Now are the Youngsters in their glory, 
(Such as are fit to tell the story) ; 
They preach up, that the best thing e'er 
Sickness to cure, is to prepare 
A fine fat slip of rancid pork, 
And, by a string, to make it work 
With smartness, up and down the throat.- 
Faugh ! — even while the words I wrote, 
A eick'ning qualm came stealing o'er, 
As when first heard on quitting shore. — 
Just at a time when all things pall, 
That greasy pork should be the call, — 
Zooks !, it would turn a Hottentot, 
Not the most delicate, I wot ! — 

Sickness, however, docs not last long, 
Therefore, my friends, you do not fast Ion- 
Troth ! you make up at glorious rate. 
For meals old Davy made you bate ;— 
Then is the time, when you are seen 
To eat, the keenest of tl'^ \-r.ani 



259 

No longer, " Oh ! I can't touch that, 

" Faugh ! — why it smells as a dead rat ; — ^ 

" Or like — '' why — it's no matter what;— = 

But weev'ly * biscuit, stinking cheese. 

Can even then the palate please !— 

In fact, — with little cause to fear^ 

It does all bilious humours clear. 

As waves to mountains now have nearly JLin, 
The Chief desires his ^^ deadlights be put in ;'' 
Fearful that else his windows may be stove^ 
As the Ship's counter may be forceful hove^ 
From the o'erwhelming shock of a head-sea^ 
In waves astern,— source of great injury +!— 
Also perceiving that the lofty masts 
Can scarcely stand the fury of the blasts ; 
And that the tumult of tlie high-topp'd billows 
Make tiiem bow down, even like supple willows ; 
(For, as Ships feel the pressure of the Sea, 
Their lower yard-arms nearly dip a-lee ;) 
He knows that therefore much top^weight is bad. 
So issues orders, " that on deck be had 

* A " Weevil" is a small, brown insect, which honey-combs the 
biscuit, and fills it with a kind of web. 

f That full part of a Vessel extending from the stern-frame to- 
wards the keel, may be termed the "Counter." — "Stern-way," 
in a heavy Sea, is ever dangerous. The " Keel" is the very lowest 
part of a Vessel, on which the whole fabric is built ; it extends be- 
neath even the bilge or bottom. 

s2 



*•* Top-gallant yards, and struck the Masts;"— a feal 
With danger fraught, but whence no Tars retreat !— 
In spite of darkness, and of sleety rain ; 
Tho' winds usurp, and agitate the Main ! — 
It indeed wildly blows a gale, with squalls, 
Of perfect drift * i which most imperious calls 
For utmost caution ! — 'Tis now landmen quake,-^ 
Now, with alarm and chilliness they shake t — 
Now 'tis *^ Sheet' anchor'''' men alone excels 
And in this trying, fearful feat, act well ; 
Sheet-anchor men ! — most glorious, honoured name,^ 
Stampt with an almost more than mortal fame : 
For like Immortals seem the wond'rous few» 
To whom this noblest of terms ! is due. — 
Judge! — when tremendous elemental strife 
Threatens t* involve in ruin mortal life ; 
When nature's wildest and most vengeful face 
T' exterminate our feebly crawling race 
Seemeth inclin'd ! — ^when stoutest human hearts- 
Can scarce sustain us, firmly thro' the parts 
We ought to play, — that is, ^' like men ! to act, 
" Nor this, while life's last ebb remains, retract.'^ 

* In squalls, at times, the force of the wiud is such, as to blow 
the tops of the waves into a white spray ; resembling, in some de- 
gree, a '* drift of snow;" hence the application. — ^The whole sur- 
face of the Sea, within reach of the squall, is, as the Sailors term it, 
** feather white."— At night, this luminous sprsiv has a grand ap- 
pearance. 



261 

In short—when fate's worst fiat draweth near, 
He who undaunted i firm ! can still appear ; 
Him whom stern death itself cannot appal, 
A thorough'bred Sheet-anchor man we call I!! 
Throughout the common run of life's routine, 
Such men are like unto air others seen ; — 
Then,— nothing mighty happens, to give vent 
To their true manhood's, daring, great intent I — 
But, when we buffet to preserve a life, 
^Tis then they make, unrivall'd, wond'rous strife,. 

The derivation thence, 
Originated hence :— 

A Ship, to keep from shipwreck's peril dread, 
Has her Sheet-anchor! — ^sole, remaining thread I — 
Therefore, such men as stand 'tween us and fate. 
We all ^' Sheet-anchor Men," and aptly, rate*. — 

The hour is now past Twelve, — and so tremendous. 
That e'en all hands on deck ! can scarce forefend U6, 
From either losing sails, or still worse !, masts ; 
The unremitting vengeance of the blasts 
Nearly upon the surface casts the keel ; 
Such is the Vessel's truly awful heel I 



* In all bodies of men, some few will be found, in the hour of 
peril, supereminent for energy of mind and body : — all may do their 
best, but some will excel : — such are real heroes, provided they do 
not assume too much^ in the common run of life. 



262 

Now, one would think, these horrors well might mar 

The strivings even of the bravest Tar ! 

But no !— their energy not death can bar.— 

Experienc'd !, active!, powerful!, and brave! 

Both sails, and masts,— nay. Ship!, — our Sailors sarcc 

The t3hief no longer now command foregoes, 
But real science strenuously shows ; 
He sees that every attention 's paid, 
That stern Necessity imperious bade. — ■ 
Dangers increase ! — the more his spirit fires !— 
While lo !— his energy, past thought, inspires 
The hardy efforts of the ardent Crew ! 
And thus the threat'ning crisis is got thro* 
With perfect safety :— we have but to mourA 
A Sailor from the main cat^harpins torn, 
Tho' happily! he's on the netting borne ^. 
His collar-bone, however, from the stroke, 
So forceful given, sad to say ! is broke I— 
Numb'd with the wet, and aching sore with pain, 
Th' unfortunate is to the Cockpit ta'en ; 

* llie " Main Cat-harpins" are of rope, placed horizcntally un- 
der the Main-top, strapping in the lower Shro- ds, and confining the 
■upper at their lowest extremities. Eyery mast has its Cat-harpins, 
which, from being near the tops, of course are a considerable height 
from the deck. — All Men-of-War have horizontal Nettings, which 
stretch, ac least, over the quarter-dec-:, to prevent things falling on 
those underneath. — Boarding Nets are perpendicular, and go round 
a vessel. 



263 

Whose present scene affects the throbbing sight. 
More than the horrors of the bloodiest fight! — 
For then— our blood 's inflamed and boiling o'er. 
We cannot pause to be in mind so sore ; 
As when a cool reflection mounts its throne, 
And makes us feel the suif 'rer's anguished groan. 
As now I — now also 'tis that pale alarm 
Has in our bosoms no opposing charm,-—? 
As in the fiery battle !— now the gale 
Doth, with its fullest force, our minds assail ; 
Some hearts will sink— some weaker spirits fail. 
Excepting ever tho' — the true-built Tar, 
Who shines as much in tempests as in war. 

The Cockpit now appears a noisome vault, 
Where almost spectres ! seem to move and halt ; 
For such our Galey:^ and bis peeking * Mate, 
I may, without at all exceeding, rate.— 
Not Romeo's haggard, sad Apothecary, 
Look'd, than our Surgeons, fresher or more merry ; 
From divers qualms and flings they scarce can stand. 
And get their unstrung nerves in such command 
As to employ a nicely steady hand.— 
One solitarj^, gloomy candle's light. 
In hue sepulchral, meets tli' astounded sight. 
Making each visage look a ghastly white ! — 



1 



Peeking," out of order,— ailing. 



264 

When first a witness of this chilling scene, 
I thought myself even in Hell! between 
The scaring decks of some infernal Ship, 
Freighted with souls to take a final trip, 
Across its turbulent and darksome Ocean !!! — 
No wonder such a gloomy hippish notion, 
Should strike one in this wretched situation, 
And disturb'd fancy's wildest whim occasion. — 
Habit, however, is a second nature. 
And it soon made of this complete erasure. 

The second time,— r-I firmly held the light !— ^ 
The third, — had not a vestige left of fright* 
By-the-by, what in part made Doctors pale, 
Was, that sea-sickness ever did them ail ; 
(At least had hitherto) when hard the gale.— 
When people have entirely conquer'd this, 
They much delight, in fact, if Ocean's phiz 
Thus works, and frets,— the more they stiff grog quaff, 
And at the peeking wretches loudly laugh ! 
As to the wounded man, tho' frighteii'd sadly, 
He was not hurt by any means so badly. 
But that his life was clearly quite secure ; 
Nor was it long 'fore Surgeons made a cure. — 

I've said, Top-gallant yards were safely down. 
And tlie masts struck ; — now then storm-staysails crown 
The manful eftbrts of the heroic few, 
From whose exertions, chiefly, doth accrue 



^65 

Our present safety, — thro' "vvhose daring means 
We care not liow our snug-made Ship carreens. 

As 'twas a serious, fearful, toilsome job. 
The Captain orders them a round of grog ; 
Sometimes, when thus there's need, to^' splice the main-brace" 
Cannot at all a Naval Captain disgrace *.-^ 
So then, you see, after a two hours fag. 
Without, on one aboard the Ship, dry rag. 
We swig a glass, we doff our clothes, 
Again in hammocks pop our toes, 
Nor ask of Morpheus leave to doze ! 
Our Chief, and ev'ry one, most sure, 
Had made of weather too secure ; 
None, at the place and time of year. 
Did such confounded blowing fear.— 
But it is probable, I hold, 
We should have been better told 
By a Barometer t, if one 
Had been on board us last day's run. 

* " Splicing the Main Brace/' is a cant term for a round of grog; 
frequently given after hard work, or in bad weather, but never in 
action ; tJien there is only ivater. 

t The Author once was in a Ship, vvhose salvation from being 
wrecked might fairly be attributed to her Captain's regarding the 
warning of one of these instruments, by getting an Offing he other- 
wise would not have done. — She lost her masts, and as the wind sat 
dead on the shore, had it not been for the long drift, she must 
have been lost. — ^Too much attention, however, should be firmly 
guarded against ;— none should make themselves slaves to it ! 



266 

It was our careful Chief's inteat 
To have had oiie from London sent^ 
But 'fore it came, to sea we went ; 
Since this, they're been by many tried, 
Who in their warning much confide. 

Our Chief not only wished to try 
This instrument^ but would apply ^ 
The means his First Lieutenant thoughi 
Might answer well the purpose sought. 
There is not at this moment timcj 
With the good idea to chime ; 
But this it is, — we often mourn 
The loss of masts from a ship tom^ 
Spite of the magnitude which rears 
Above the deck, tho^ it appears 
As if the structure might defy 
The wind's extremest force, nor lie 
A splinter'd ruin !, rending wide 
The vainly rated strong-built side- 
Alas ! how oft the work of man 
Is render'd futile, be his plan 
Form'd with the most consummate &rt^ 
Still he must play a mortal part. 
Of build stupendous is the Mast, 
Yet it is nought before the blast :— 
It falls !-~~and often we deplore 
A Tar, or crush 'd !, or seen no more l^ 



267 

In his attempt the ropes to clearj 

Which amidst surging waves appear ; 

For, but a batten of weak wood 

Betwixt the shrouds and water stood,— 

This, as you are about to hear. 

Was, in no sense, a fit barrier : 

No sooner does the huge Mast fallg 

(Enough itself hearts to appal,) 

Than, lo !— off flies the poor weak wood, 

Sunk are the shrouds in the dread flood ; 

Much to be dreaded ! — ^for the fear 

Is, that the daring man who'd clearj 

So far without the Ship's safe deck, — • 

JPn darkness too I — ^the dang'rous wreck, 

(Which from its shocks, while thus confin'dj, 

To stave the side in seems inclin'd,) 

May lose his life, — may find a grave 

111 suited to a man so brave !!! 

The First Lieutenant, to avoid 

Such a catastrophe, employ 'd 

His ev'ry care, his ev'ry thought, 

And which at length this plan forth brought %■ 

To have part of a Hawser got, 
With, at each end, a Thimble wrought, 
To which a Lanyard is made fast ; 
(f hen, th^t the Hawser should be past 



268 

Close round the Dead-ejes, — and then mad$ 

Within secure. — Well ! with this aid, 

He thinks it may be safely said. 

You need not be of life afraid ; 

As the lee-rigging can't desert 

The Chains, so much as men to hurt 

In clearing it : — for the right plan 

Then would be, that every maa 

Would only have to gain the Chains^ 

(A post he readily maintains,) 

And cut the Shrouds where Hawser binds. 

Easy and safe, if he but minds. 

When you have once cut ropes to leeward. 

You clear the weather ones within board. 

'Tis done ! as soon as e'er you try, 

And masts, and rigging, forthwith fly I 

The Ship is eas'd !, the danger's o'er. 

At least, there's less than was before *. 



* The Author trusts the above description will be sufficiently 
clear to Seamen ; to others, it could never be made perfectJy intel- 
ligible. — A few of the terms used, however, may be explained :— 
** Dead-eyes" are round pieces of wood, something like blocks, in 
which are holes, through which pass ^' Lanyards," being ropes, by 
the means of which, rigging, &c. &c. is set up. '* Thimbles," are 
particular kinds of iron rings. A " Batten" is a moulding of wood. 
— The above scheme, for keeping the lee-rigging of a mast, when 
carried away, into the chains, so as it may be got at without danger, 
to be cut a\yay, is only a temporary expedient; but, in the Dock- 



269 

Cutting the Bobstays *, he'll insurcj 
if you will also them secure 
In the same manner as the others ; 
Shrouds, I mean, to which they're brothers. 

These lashings must be handy stow'd. 
And not pass'd, until weather show'd 
A murky, dirty, threatening hue ; 
When they might soon be fixVl by few. — 

I said, this rational invention 
The Captain had to try, intention : 
'Tis now too late,-— so let me tell 
That ev'ry thing on deck went well : 
Reduc'd to Stay-sails, with scarce way, 
(Storm ones,) the Crew again are gay« 



yards, surely something permanent might be struck out ; such a& 
Iron Battens, made to take oif when necessary ; or Iron Plates 
along the chains, one for each Dead-eye neck, embracing it, and 
fixed by a rivet or screw. — ^The fatal accidents which occur at times, 
from attempting to clear shrouds sunk in the water, and the injury 
a Vessel may sustain from not getting rid of the wreck, must be fa- 
miliar to all Seamen ; some method of obviating these should then 

be considered of importance. On the Author's mentioning the 

above plan to an old Seaman, his answer was, " Why, Sailors soon 
will have nothing to do at Sea." The numerous shipwrecks can 
best prove, that, at least hitherto, they have bad but too much. 

* *' Bobstays," are very strong ropes,,- which secure the Bolt- 
sprit, (the mast v/hich runs obliquely out from the fore part of the 
Ship) ; and in eifect, though not' appearance^ are the same as the 
shrouds. 



^70 

Nothing to do, they sit or walk, 
Or snooze, or joke, or sing, or talk j 
For the gale seemeth well inclin'd 
To treat ns some time in this kind i 
But the Lieutenant, who looks out, 
As Fve oft said, must move about. 

Our Helm we never lash a-lee *, 
As oftentimes the case at Sea ; 
The Ship our Chief wo;uld keep with waj«, 
That she may constantly obey 
The useful Rudder, which from waves 
Of height enormous often saves 
A Ship, — ^now but a cockle-shell t, 
Which raging billows soon might sell. 

But loudly " Four o'clock" is rung, 
Shrill pipes the call, " Watch, hoy !" is sung j 
The squalls of drift don't so much rail, 
As the storm settles to a gale : 
We cannot daylight well descry, 
So soon as usual ; for the sky 



"^ " Lashing the Hehn a-lee/' is securing the Tiller close to one 
side (the lee one), by which means it becomes of no use ; and the 
Vessel is left at the mercy of the waves (except what the balance of 
sail will effect), without making the least headway: — by a contrary 
practice, although great command cannot be procured,, yet much 
life may be giyeno 



371. 

Is shut out by too thick a hazCy 
T' admit the Sun's most fierj rays ; 
Scarcely we see the Bowsprit endj 
Nor shall, until the sky will rend. 
Just so much as to hare a view 
Of a sufficient patch of blue, 
That for one pair of breeks * may do. 

The sun, tho' hid, now lights the gloom 
Enough, to prove that in a tomb 
We are not altogether shut, 
Altho', izi fact, it is all but 1 
E'en this however greatly cheers, 
As daylight must when it appears. 

The duty is, to take a tour. 
And see that all things are secure^ 
The Boatswain's self aloft must go^ 
Nor can the Carpenter forego 
The same; our Gunner looks below; 
Sailors, in their proper stations, 
Put all things into situations. 
They should have been in, liad not night, 
Prevented their being done aright ; 
That is (you will conceive) not quite ! 



"^ When once a portion of blue is seen in the sky, be it ever so 
small, the Sailors ^ry out^ '' Come, the gale's breaking, there's blue 
enough for a pair of breeks (breeches)." 



272 

Here, is a great distinction seen 
Foreign and Buitish Ships between,. 
Necessity must sometimes mar 
The work of e'en the ablest Tar ; 
But then a moment can't escape. 
When possible^ but that ship-shape 
The Vessel 's render 'd, so that ne'er 
A British Man-of-War can scare.—' 
She must be soon in right array. 
For the encounter ; come what may, — ■ 
No lazy part she e'er can play. — 

Decks being swept in usual order^ 
And all things set free from disorder, — 
What, pray ! can be the matter now B 
What is the. reason of that row ! 
Why, Sir ! — a heayy, young Marine 
Has slipp'd, and fallen in between 
Two scalding bowls of skillagalee ; — 
They're only trying to set him free I — 
A pretty freedom ! — soon he sees. 
The cure is worse than the disease !— 
" Butcher" is call'd, who, on carreen* 
Quickly lays down the daub'd Marine^ 
And swears, " he must be blooded outriglit \'— 
Lugs put his knife!, at which most dread si^hi 



27S 

The frightened Gulpin * rends the air, 
With his, for mercy, earnest pray'r ! 
*Tis granted, when they've had their joke ;— ^ 
You may suppose no bone is broke ; 
, He is alarm'd, tho' not much hurt, 
Tho' all his dress, e'en to the shirt, 
Is daub'd -with hasty-pudding dirt. 

Thro' blowing winds, and weather hazy, 
We are, faith, for our breakfasts crazy ; 
We, of the morning watch I mean, 
Who long to act an eating scene | 
Long to enjoy the glorious sight 
Of tea to drink, and i oils to bite, 
No matter tho' they be not light. 

Every thing at Sea agrees ; — 
And what is eatable, must please.— 

The Sailors are of course on prog, 
Quite good, but salt ; and serv'd out grog ; 
Some time, since they've had pot of nog t ; 
E'en Officers must now dispense 
With all things fresh, and the defence 



* " Gulpin" is applied to an ignorant young fellow, one that can 
be played upon. 

f " Pot of Nog/' is beer heated over the fije= 



274^ 
For having something salt at meals, 
(Just as the wary cat'rer deals,) 
Is, if at once they eat the fresh meat, 
Why then there will remain none to treat 
Palates withal ; — that fresh may last, 
On salted too we make repast. 

Now 'tis when a good Harpooneer 
Doth in intrinsic worth appear ;— 
Bonetta, larger Albicore *, 
In myriads round our Vessel pour. 
The harpoon, and the wily hook, 
Made like a Flying Fishf to look. 
Are soon employ 'd ; and smart Ben Brace 
Does the lee sprit-sail yard-arm J grace. 
Coolness and science in his face. 

And here, I think it fit to tell, 
How't came, Ben harpooneer*d so well. — • 



* These fish, in appearance an4 flavouf, resemble the largest Mac- 
kerel, commonly called Horse Mackerel, but are much larger and 
more oily; v/hich, however, is corrected, and they prove a very de- 
sirable dish at Sea. — The Author has however been informed, that, 
if not eaten quite fresh, or pickled, they are extremely hurtful,—- 

producing swellings about the head and face. This information 

the Author has inserted at the suggestion of a Medical Friend, wh© 
witnessed the circumstance in his passage from the East-Indies. 

-f Remarkable for rising out of the water when pursued, and con- 
tinuing above the surface as long as, it is supposed, their fins retain 
moisture. 

^. This yard hangs across the Boltsprit. 



f 



^75 

This Tar was niirtui'd in that useful trade, 
Which ever has such real Seamen made; 
Where the great Cook made his first bright essay^ 
From whence he learnt so bold a part to play*. 
'Twas from far-fam'd Newcastle's winding port. 
The firm-built, sooty Collier's chief resort, 
That our brave Seaman, active Ben Brace, came; 
*Twas in its Trade, Cook promised future fame : 
Where the black cargo, England's chiefest pride ! 
Covers in numerous floats the rapid tide, 
Destin'd to reach the distant southern bays^ 
To Iieap devouring London's spacious quays ; 
Destin'd by man, but often not by fate,— r 
Fearful 's the story ! painful to relate ! — 
Bedeck'd with waving flags, and streamers gay^ 
The gaudy Bark begins her careless way ; — 

* The Author had the following account of this Celebrated Na- 
vigator from a gentleman to whose father Cook was bound, before 
he went to -sea. — ^The gentleman alluded to was both merchant and 
shopkeeper, at a large fishing-town on the Yorkshire coast, called 
Staitha. Cook, who came from that part of England, served in the 
shop ; — some money had been missed from the tills, and, to discover 
the delinquent, a peculiarly marked shilling was mixed with the other 
silver, which was counted : — the shilling was taken out by Copkj 
who^ on being charged with it, acknowledged that it had caught his 
eye, and that he had taken it, but put another in its place. — This 
was found to be true ;— .and although the family were highly re- 
spectable, humane and attacned to iiim, yet the high spirit of tJie 
boy could not brook remaining W'here he had been suspected;- — he 
ran away, — and it is known^ afterwards entered as a Cabin-boy in the 
Coal Trade. 

t2 



276 

On the curv'd river's current smoothly glides. 
And, as she the vast Ocean meets, derides ; 
Scorns the far tempest, and the dread lee-shore, — 
Nor think the Tars, their friends they see no more !-^ 

Heedless I presumptuous ! trusting to the breeze, 
Which present blows, they tempt the shallow seas ; 
Coast the wild shore too close, — nor ever think 
A change may come, till on destruction's brink.'!! 

Close to the land in night's dark vapour shred, 
(A cautious Mariner's incessant dread,) 
The Vessel holds her blind, misgnided course, 
Until with wind and tide's united force. 
The furrowing stem ploughs up the yielding sandj 
And firmly fixes on the shingly strand.* 
Oh fatal inattention ! fatal cause I — ? 
Prudence !— how oft this ill usurps thy laws. 
Yet is a compensation quickly tried, 
(As far as can) by ev'ry nerve applied, 

■--. '. ' . •- <,,;t ■ " . : ■ ■, ■ ■ ' : ■■■' -■ ■■•■ - - . . , ,. . 

■* ** Shingles" are loose stones, amounting indeed to small rocks : 
—on such Beaches, a vessel first ploughs up the sand (generally 
outside of them), and is then stopped by these usually destructive 
obstacles. — The inattention of Colliers, m fine weather, and out 'of 
Narrows, is really incredible to those who have not witnessed it;— 
scarcely a fleet passed a part of the Yorkshire coast the Author hap- 
pened to be on, in the summer time, without some of them getting 
on shore, of which a part were totally lost:— the most trifling precau- 
tion must have prevented it.- If ever this exposition should meet 

the eye of a Master in the Coal Trade, and incline him, M'ho so 
well knows how ! to be a little more cautious in iine weather, 
the Author would indeed be gratified. 



277 

To raise the VesseFs deeply buried head. 
And force her from her present deadly bed. 
It is the Beitish Seaman's manly pride. 
Ne'er o'er his heart to let pale fear preside 
When danger presses! — ^but assur'd, to face 
The coming peril, and his nerves new brace; 
Acting throughout, with cool, collected sense. 
And strenuous vigbur, in his own defence.— 
Not like some other nations on the Main, 
Tho' most, the sons of vaunting France and Spain ! 
Who, when they are o'erta'en with dire surprise. 
Feel but the terrors of wild fear arise ; — 
Meet the dread crisis, of all pow'r bereft^ — 
While to a fearful chance, their lives are left!* 

* However desperately these nations may at times rush on fate, — 
yet the Author has himself witnessed so many instances of their 
courage faiUng in cases of sudden danger, and yet more in those of 
gradual but apparently inevitable destruction, that he cannot help 
venturing on asserting *^ their inferiority to us, in presence of mind 
and firmness,^^ without his conscience taxing him with undue par- 
tiality to his Countrymen. He could adduce the instances he alludes 
to, but they would encroach too much on the latitude given a note ; 
—they must however be familiar to British Seamen. — ^Now, may 
not the want of these truly manly qualities be attributed to the mis- 
guiding Atheism of the one, and the unnerving Bigotry of the other? 
—If we compare them to ourselves, the charge is fully borne out, 
for it may not be going too far to say, " that no nation in the Uni- 
verse equals us, in collectedness, and firmness, in the hour of 
danger, neither requiring the aid of Inebriety, or Fear, except that 
of Shame!, to support us. — And yet no people breathing, respect, 
a^id practise, religious duties, more than we do, — generally speak- 
ing.--^ —The Reader may not, perhaps, think this assertion too much. 



Full often will the British Tar succeed. 

And find success's but too frequent meed, 

Thrice-sweet Applause !—" our being's fend and aim!" 

Much to our credit,-— but more to our shame,— 

If that the source it springs from be to blame.— 

Thus, when successful, we can't but admire. 

The skilly and daring courage, which inspire 

The late supine, incautious, foolish Tar.— 

The Ship, we see, is off! —so still his star 

Continues bright ;— yet, if an Owner mourn 

So much of value from his pittance torn, 

The hard-earn'd fruit of many a toilsome year. 

The cause of many a bosom rending fear. 

We curse the man, who could thus madly steer 1 

How oft this ill is realiz'd ! — io gain 
Another Bark, alas! with tedious pain. 
Our late gM Owner must his past toil use ; 
And only 'mongst a clioice of evils chuse, — 
Shut from the licav'nly hope,^ that latter days 
May set (tho' well they might) with brighter rays*. 

if he will attend a Sunday's worship in the Navy and Army, their 
burials, &c. &c., and read the official communications of a Nelson 
and others ;!a3 far remov'd from that wretched perversion of intellect, 
— Fanaticism, or from Hypocrisy, as they are from the impious de- 
clarations of France. 

* In Newcastle, and other Ports, men, after having been years 
at Sea, usually find themselves rich enough to build, or buy a Vessel 
or two, {thus becoming Ship-owners) which they intrust to a Mas- 
ter; themselves enjoying onshore, in the midst of their families, that 



279 

Nay !— ^ven bread may be from children ta'en ;— ' 

Can any subject be more fraught with pain ?— 

Yet altho' on the mind this is engrav'd 

In bitter characters of woe ; still sav'd 

Perhaps may be the Crew,— a consolation. 

Not always found, in such a situation. *- 

Lamentable it is, — Oh how much more ! 

When sudden gales make billows foam and roar : 

When their high tops seem even to arise, 

As tho' inclined to touch the louring skies ! — ■ 

White spray, is with the scudding vapour mixt^ 

Till, in one mass, both sky and wave seem fixt.— 

Rushing it comes to the high cliff's near base, — 

As if earth's self, H wou'd instantly erase !!! * 

Ah ! if a fragile, hapless Bark is doom'd. 

To be in this wild grave of Ocean tomb'd ; 

Held up to sight awhile, to heighten woe, 

And the most frightful, climax'd horrors show. 

Till ev'ry limb is palsied with the scene, — 

Till our hearts throb, with feelings the most keen, — • 

i€st, they have so dearly purchased. — ■ The effects of being de- 
prived of this^ especially Y^hen from carelessness, may be con- 
ceived. 

* " Sciid^' means very small clouds, or vapour, blown about 
by the wind, not unlike smoke. — When a squall comes from Sea- 
ward to the land, the tops of waves and low^ scud, form in one 
black bank, which rushes on, contracting the horizon mpre and 
more, .until it breaks with fury on the cliffs, when nought can be 
seen but this cutting drift, until it is expended. 



280 

Till Against the frowning, the impending rock 
The Vessel strikes ! — on shore we feel the shockj 
Harrow'd with woe ! — till the tremendous wave 
Closes the scene, — as shuts the awful grave!!! 



At length from stupor freed, we quit the shore. 
And feel, acutely feel ! for those no more l^ 

* While on the subject of Shipwrecks, the Author would fain 
impress the extreme utility of '^ the Sea Fencible Establishment/* 
and offer a few observations thereon. — It is a fact, within his own 
knowledge, that, since the extension of the Service by Earl St. Vin- 
cent in the appointments of Lieutenants to wateh the coast, in the 
spaces between Captains, many wrecks have been saved from plun- 
der, many lives saved, and, generally speaking, infinite assistance 
afforded, in places and at times, when otherwise injury, or destruc- 
tion, must have ensued. — But not only does Commerce, and the 
Nation at large, nay other nations too !, benefit by this civilization 
of the rough inhabitants of the coasts, — at all events this check upon 
the lawless part of them ; but Government procures for the Country, 
'* a careful look-out, and considerable defence of her shores,'^ and, 
as it may be termed, '* a Volunteer Reserve for Naval purposes, in 
cases of emergency;"— not anyone of which most desireable cir- 
cumstances would take place, was it not for the organization of Sea- 
faring people by the means of Naval Officers. -As such an Establish- 
ment, at a moment like the present too, may probably be admitted 
by all, of very considerable importance, when fully acted up to, — 
the Author begs to advance a few propositions, that perhaps may 
be thought of use in promoting this efHciency. — First, that the de- 
scriptions of men to compose a corps be more distinctly ascertained, 
than, the Author beheves, is the case ?X present : that when once 
this has been effected, the men being thus better assured of their 
situations, the corps should have a uniform, and system of exercise, di- 
rected by Government, and extending to all, — not, as at present, in the 
option of officers v,-ho command them, — and consequently have their 



^81 

Tiiusj thro' a fatal apathy of mind. 
Such soul-appalling accidents we find, — 
Sometimes from far worse causes in this Trade. 

A guardian Prudence oft' has to upbraid 
For Drunkenness, the madly heedless Crew ; 
Aye and, O crying shame ! the Captain too :— 



own method, by which means scarcely two corps are dressed alike, 
or can act together : in short, that some system should be adopted, 
by which th^^se corps should be more regularly organized, dressed, 
and disciplined, than at present. — If they embark in Men-of-war, 
they become Sailors; nothing is requisite here:— it is the giving a kind 
of esprit du corps, a steadiness and respectability on shore, thai 
seems wanting. They live on shore, they nmst muster on shore, 
they must move on shore, and often with the army. Would not 
.then their assimilation to the Military, by the selection of a few in- 
dispensable movements, taught by a drill-serjeant allowed a cer- 
tain number of men, — (the Author is aware that some corps effect 
this at their own expence^) enable them to act with a steadiness and 
confidence, not to be expected from any other method? — Does 
not an established uniform contribute essentially to that system, 
without which large bodies are absolutely nugatory ? — And in re- 
gard to practising manoeuvres of the Army, would it not benefit 
Naval Officers when they go again on general service, by the insight 
acquired ? — One, and perhaps it may be admitted, not the Uast, 
recommendation of the Sea Fenclbie Establishment should not be 
omitted, — namely, its affording honourable and useful posts for 
those officers, who may require a short respite from the greater 
fatigues of Sea-service yet competent to the Sea Fencible. — Tkos« 
who have charge of Ship! life! and ruost critical station ! it may 
readily be conceived, must sooner sutler in health, than those in 
subordinate situations on-board ship, who have little or no anxiety! — - 
It is long-continued and intense anxiety of mind that exhausts for 
a time, and demands a little relaxation. — It becomes then surely ! 
no trijiing recommendation to a post, that it affords this^ and at 
the same time service to the country. 



S82 

They think, forsooth ! no danger can be near^ 

The -while in water deep, they hare to steer ; 

Think truly I if in narrows* they refrain, 

Drinking, when clear of them, is not a stain ! — 

Thus, when sailing near that dang'rous coast. 

Where we cannot one proper harbour boast, — 

(Sorry I am, indeed, the thing to say, 

Not one ! there is,^altho' full well there may,) 

From Forth's fam'd Firth, to muddy Flumber's mouth. 

The first good shelter, found towards the South, 

Except some harbours, fit alone to take, 

For the poor miserable chance's sake. 

Of saving lifef, well ! in this anxious run, 

Careless, or drunken, is each mother's son. 



* '* Narrows'' imply passages between shoals, — or generally, 
where the Sea is contracted. From the mouth of the Humber to 
London, the sands are numerous, and the channels, particularly 
intricate : — here, day and night, are they watchful, to admiration, 
often drinking nothing but tea ; — out of t/tese, however, and there 
is an excess of security^ and grog. — But at the same time it may 
be readily conceived, that many in the Trade never swerve from the 
strict sobriety and attention, requisite in Seamen ; there being '* no 
rule without an exception." 

t All the harbours from the Forth to the Humber hav'c bars at 
their entrances, which can only be taken at a certain time of tide, 
and then, not by large ships ; or are foriiied by piers, neither of 
v/hich can be safely reckoned on. — The Tees, seems destined by 
Nature, for an extensive secure place of slielter, and where most 
wanted :— in its present state, it is extremely dangerous, and com- 
paratively, a u.eless river. 



283 

One leads the flock, as blind may lead the blind ; 

One man, nay oft a boy^ alone you find 

On deck to steer ; and the frail bark to rnirid. — 

O ! lack of foresight, maddest, maddest ill ! 

How oft' doth fate the purblind measure fill 

With all the bitterness of death, or woe ! 

How can such real Seamen e'er do so ? — 

For such they truly are ; — I ne'er can chuse. 

The rightful meed of Merit to refuse ; 

So to be just, I willingly allow' 

That many won't to bad example bow ;— - 

Who with the daring science of the Tar 

Will coast, nor let but stern fate's fiat mar ; 

Which, utmost human prowess can't controul, 

And which, when thus^ should never shake the soui. 

For when a Fate draws near, we can't avert. 

Why should we feel the quickly passing hurt ? 

Our lives, we know, are not at our command; 

They rest with that all-just ! all-pow'rful Hand ! 

Which doth infinity of worlds direct !!!— 

hei us reflect, - 

And call alone our final end, a sting, 
If vice, or folly, prematurely bring 
The dread catastrophe upon us ; — then 
No wonder, we can't act as fitting men :— 



^84 

But if \ydte doomed to die, and not our faulty-— 
J'/ien, — it is merely mortal Nature's halt; 
Her known, inevitable, last assault!!! 
'Tis, from imbibing sentiments like these. 
That blithe are Tars, upon the fearful Seas ; 
So let the Demon, Danger !^ frown howe'er. 
Still at his threat'ning ghastly phiz they'll sta#e, 
And but a little for his grinning care. — 
This creed-marine the ballad fully shows, 
Which almost ev'ry Sailor-Johnny knows. 
And bellows forth, oft with a jolly noise ; — 
'• We're in for't, so damn me ! what folly, boys, 

" To be down-hearted, yeoj ho !" Now 'tis meet. 

That I but little further on this treat. 

There is no trip, that Mariners can make, 
Where they should such extreme precaution take, — 
Where their existence is so much at stake. 
As in the truly arduous, fearful Coal Trade; 
Which therefore has such real Seamen e'er made. 

Gain is, of right, the powerful incentive, 
Nor can they but be to this pohii, attentive ;■—■ 
T' attain the consummation they 've in view, 
The greatest toils, and dangers, they go thro';— 
To profit by a Market, the dread shore 
They often must keep close, tho' sky may lour j 



285 

All that they have do, is to preyentj 

As much as ia them is^ the sky's intents 

Now^ — a necessity imperious speaks ; — 

His aid, in skill, the daring Seaman seeks, — ■ 

A skill form'd by experience, and attention 

To given rules ; a few of which I '11 mention :— 

The well-known Beacon, or some Land, points out 

When it is time io put the Ship about : — 

If thick the weather ? — then the lead*, and chartj 

Warn you in time, when likely to depart 

From the right channel; which on tow'rd the South 

Of rapid Humber's broad and muddy mouth. 

As far as Dover, has intricate winding, 

Which should you not, by day and night be minding^ 

Inevitably it would be most serious ! — 

A watchfulness intense ! is then imperious. 

During a dark tempestuous night, they head, 
Conducted solely by the guiding lead ;— 
And if they miss of this, e'en but a throw !, 
They must be puzzled^ — and lest wrong they go, 
JMust io an anchor come, as soon as able, 
And trust their Ship, and lives, to but a cable !!! — 



* This is a plummet of sufficient weight, to which a line is atr 
tached, marked with a certain number of fathoms; — a man stands 
in the chains, leaning on a breast-rope, and, whirling it round his 
head, at length throws it forward, and when he comes over it, finds 
the depth;, and cries it. — This is called the *' Hand-lead." 



286 

The Ship brought up, both in bad ground and shelter. 

Opposed to mountain seas, ^vhich sorely pelt her, 

Nor can she quit th*expos'd, the awful spot, 

Till the night 's past, and clear the weather got.— 

If sav'd their lives !-^the Market still they lose, 

For the first choice to the first-come accrues. 

Thro' want of care, at least, they lose a tide ;— 

While those who more attended, onward plied ; 

Their cargoes to a great advantage sold ; •> 

And, as they course again for homeward hold, S 

Pass the ill-manag'd bark, and laugh while tale is told !!! J 

Those who've to watch on deck, throughout the nighty 
Good tea should drink, to feel themselves aright;— 
This bev'rage, has one most especial merit, — 
It better clears the brain, than clouding spirit, 
Which makes you prone, in spite of fate, to sleep, 
With afterwards, as said, oft' cause to weep.— - 
It is the coastingj with no Harbours near, 
And ent'ring channels, where sand-banks appear; 
(But oft'ner cover'd) fatal so to Ships!, 
Which make the danger of these trading trips. — 
To guard against it. Seamanship 's requir'd ; — ^ 

A body that by toil cannot be tir'd ; — C 

And mind by a courageous firmness fir'd. j 

A Pupil of this school tlien, we can trace, 
Our gallant, h.irdy Seaman, active Brace ,; — 



287 

Yet strange howeverj as it may appear^ 

Ne*er had he been to us, so justly dear. 

Had he continu'd longer, that pursuit ; — • 

For Men-of-war, an absolute Galoot, 

Raw from the country, had been full as good. 

At first, at least ; — but to be understood, — 

Such Collier Seamen, as have never been 

Eugag'd at sea, in any other scene 

Than merely coasting, — ne'er had been to roam, 

At any distance from their native home ; 

Returning, soon as the short run was made, 

Are ever of a Man-of-war afraid, 

So much so even as in bloom to fade, 

l/Vhen first they 're made to serve on-board of these, 

And forc'd to quit a time, their well-known seas, 

Nor quite allow'd to do just as they please. ^ — 

The " old wives" tell them a most fearful tale 

Of such, as in a dreadful War-ship sail ; 

Tell them, " if hov/ so be they go from shore, 

*' No, they will never, never see them more !" — 

Thus the poor frighten'd, work'd on, stupid elf 

is not allow'd to judge things for himself. — 

At first he mopes about^ and pines, and whines ; 

No manly spirit for a good while shines ; — 

But when it does, it blazes brightly forth ; 

And he becomes of a most sterling worth !!!— 



288 

Tiie glorious education he has had^ 

Proves that old Davy is his real Dad, — 

The moment he has conquer'd Mammy-Sickness,*--* 

Is us'd to the rope's superior thickness ; 

When the material difference is seen, 

A Man-of-war and Trading Bark between ; 

But once accustom'd to the novel scene. 

He is become a thorough Tar, I ween ! 

Now, our Ben Brace had in the Greenland Ships. 
In search of Northen whales, ta'en many trips ; 
Added to these departures, may too, be 
A longer voyage to the Southern Sea. — 
Hence it came round, he learnt Harpoons to wield ; 
Thence did his school-boy Mammy-sickness yield. --^ 
Tho' still I must, alas ! a tale impart : 
*' At times, poor fellow ! he was sjck at heart.'^ — 
Some time ago, when in Newcastle's trade, 
A certain doating, and a lovely Maid, 
Ben's manly, but too yielding heart betray 'd. 
Indeed 'twas mighty Love betray 'd them both, 
For both He conquer'd, in sooth nothing loath.— 
Oft' did the Maiden, in their Sunday's walk, 
Lean on her darling Ben, and fondly talk 3 



* If a young man, or boy, pines at all at first coming on-board 
ship, he is said to be " Mammy sick ;" hankeriug after the Mother,— 
hom^-,-— It hov/e.Yci' ?oon disappears. 



289 

Oft would a moisture, like a gushing tear. 
In poor Ben Brace's gazing eye appear. 
When from his Anna's arms he must depart; 
Tiie last sad Anchor's heavy weight to start ! — 
And here permit me say, this noble Youth, 
Alive to manly honesty, and truth. 
Would not th' unguarded, love-sick Maid betray, 
By letting vicious passion o'er him sway : 
So tenderly, so true, he lov'd the Maid, 
That this thrice-noble impulse was obey'd ; — 
Namely, to try in some more distant clime 
Wealth to procure, — that he may hear the chime 
Of his sweet, gladsome, native Parish Bell, 
Loudly the tidings of his wedding tell.— 
He goes !■— -returns! — brings back a golden store, 
And stays a well-earn'd, blissful spell on shore. 
His cliarraing Ann, now made a tender Wife, 
Doats on her Husband, far more than her life. 
A child they have, — when oh ! the deadly strife 
Brought on the world, by mad, ambitious France, 
Wakes him from forth his lately rapt'rous trance, 
How ! are this wretched couple, now distrest. 
They know, alas ! he must be quickly prest ! — 
What, forc'd to serve !, no ! that he'll never be,— 
His innate sense tells him, necessity 

u 



290 

There is, for ey^ry Bhiton to exert 

His very utmost prowess, and divert 

The threatened furious storm from coming near, 

And blasting those, to him so truly dear ! 

Besides, Ben lov'd his Sovereign and LawSj 

Even high spirit will not let him pause ; 

Yet when he told his doating, gentle Ann, 

That it must be his firm, determin'd plan 

Again on Ocean's waves to take a trip, 

And this too, in a King's tremendous Ship, — 

Oh I when the wretched, half-distracted Wife, 

Clung to his bosom as to parting life I, 

Ben could not help but deeply curse the foe, 

Who made liim thus his greatest bliss forego ;— « 

Curs'd, as he felt the racking sting, his lot. 

Which thus enthrall'd, and chain'd him to the spot. 

O Love ! had not thy treachery betray'd 
My unsuspecting heart ; — hadst thou not sway'd 
As well the bosom of this lovely Maid; — 
Never had we endur'd this bitter smart, 
The anguish, which now lacerates the heart, 
When from each other thus we 're forc'd to part 
O Anna! if I had not married thee, 
From such distracting pangs thou hadst been free. 

But come, to close the irksome, painful page, 
And try to melancholy thoughts assuage, 



-\ 



291 

Let md now tell you-^that our noble BracEj 
Made active Duty blunt the harrowing trace 
Of Anna's love !, of Anna's beauteous face. 
That, cheerful, ready, daring, he appeared; 
Altho' a keen remembrance sometimes sear'd 
His manly bosom, with a smother'd flame ; 
For this, poor Human Nature is to blame! 
That is, if you can think there 's any shame. 



END OF CANTO V, 



vg 



CANTO VI. 



%tsmmnu 



Bonctta caught — Manner of dressing ditto, and making Lobs- 
couse — Further description of the Impiemepts and Mocie ot 
catching Fish — Other Employments — ^Try for an Observation— 
Gaie breaks — A frigate at day-light on the Lee-bow- — Chacc— 
Make Signals — Proves an Enemy— Steers for Vigo — Exertions 
fa the night to come up with her— Lose Fore-top-m.ast — Sequel 
— ^Arrive on the Spanish coast— Told by a Dane of a Spanish 
armed Merchantman, and Privateer, in a harbour to the north- 
ward — Pi-oceed to cut them out— Preparation for, account of, 
and result of ditto — A Man transgresses— Captain's Conduct, and 
Crew's — Reflections on Punishment. 



=^=^ 



THE 



CRUISE, 



CANTO VI. 

W ELL ! — let me see ;— Ben 's on the yard, 

Pressing the swift Bonettas hard ; 

For whene'er near enough they came. 

He never miss'd his eager aim. — 

The first fish struck, is sent with glee 

Unto the Chief, ^^ 'cause he likes he :'* — 

This is hung up, when once well cleaned, — ■ 

To pickle it, the Captain mean*dj 

As you do salmon ; and the food 

Is really almost as good. — 

Others Ben gives, just as he fancies, 

And, from his style, the gift enhances ; 



296 

He keeps of course, as you may guess, 
Enough to satisfy his m«ss. — 
The Boatswain, soon as one he catches, 
Makes a dish no one other matches. — 
'Tis true Lobscouse ! — O say'ry dish !,—- 
O ! would kind Fortune replenish 
Our plates, when empty, e'er with thee, 
How wc would glory in the Sea !!! . 

First, the great iron pot is brought, 
And put in order, quick as thought ; 
Then a thick lay'r of dainty paste 
Is o'er the bottom laid in haste, 
Pepper'd right well, to make it taste ; 
Afterwards freshen'd pork and beef, 
In even slices, give relief. 
Thro' pleasant salt, to appetite, 
Improving thus the relish 'd bite : 
And now Bonetta, Albicorc, 
Cut up in junks *, improve still more 
This nice melange; — potatoes, onions, 
Added to these, make " Hawser Trunnions," 
Or other folk !, not turn their nose up ; 
But when at Sea, at least, this toss-up. — 



* " Junks," are large pieces of any thing, as of Cables, Beef> 



297 

Well '.—now conceiye the iron pot 
Has, of this grub, good three-decks got * : 
Conceive it dress'd, and piping hot ; — 
Then noble feeding 'tis, I wot ! — 
Sir !— this is passing good at Sea, 
Where choice lays in necessity ; 
Where the fresh weather makes ye eat. 
As if the world, of prog you'd cheat.— 
But such a mess, I vow, on shore 
Would be to taste, a shocking bore, — 
So drop it ; — tell how Fish are caught; — 
On this head, you have scarcely thought. — 
Well, then ! us Tars are not oft peevish 5 *) 

And if you do not like this Sea-dish, > 

Leave it to us ; — and so your free wish ^ 

I will indulge,— and tell you more. 
How 'tis we catch the Albicore. 

First, I may say, — some think with me. 
That they to mack'rel kindred be 
In taste, in colour, and in shape ; 
But then, as monkey to the ape ; — 
That is, tho' of the self-same species, 
Yet of very different degrees ; — 

i' " ' ' ■■ ■■ ■ ■ .-. .^ : : "" • ' ' ■' ■ - a ar 

* " Grub," is a cant term for " eatables." — *' Three-decks/' 
cither of this mess, or sea-pye (which in fact is dressed in the same 
manner, only with a fowl in lieu offish), imply three distinct layers 
of paste, &G. Sec. &c. 



One far greater than the other; 

But each in the light of Brother.—^ 

Bonetta, is not quite so large ; 

Nor does it so much oil discharge. 

As the heavier Albicore, 

The largest of the kind : — ^to pour 

From all indeed the oil you must, 

Before you put them under crust. 

This job is ever done by cleaning. 

And hanging them some time carreening.— » 

The smaller mack Vel are the best; 

Horse-ones * have too much oil when drest* — 

So on, according to the size, 

Wc for immediate cooking prize. 

IVe told you, that Fish-hooks will catch, 

Which Flying- fish in look do match ; — 

These are most useful on the Seas, 

And Sailors form them with much ease. — 

'^ Cork" makes the body, — or light wood ; — - 

For the white belly " tin" is good ; — 



* *' Horse Mackerel/' are the largest kind; found in the English 
Channel and North Sea. — " Bonetta and Albicore," are a deep- 
water fish, and, the Author believes, approach no nearer the 
British IsleB than about the island of Madeira, and entrance of the 
Bay of Biscay: — he is uncertain how Naturalists class them, but 
their properiics coincide with tliose of Mackerel gr^^atly. 



S99 

Fins 'guile, in ^^ bristles of the hog,''-— 

And now you have him in full tog I — 

Except (as best) by some is chns'd. 

That imitative " paint" be us'd. — 

The barb'd point of these treacherous hooks. 

Not much unlike a fish-tail looks ; 

The shaft is thro' the body trac'd, 

And to the end a line is lac'd. — 

These from the Boltsprit hang, or Jib-boom, 

From Spritsail yard, or wheresoe'er room. — 

A Vessel's motion on the Seas 

Will not let fish escape with ease, 

When once they're hook'd, — so up they coil ^em^ 

And, as IVe said, in kettles boil 'em*. — 

As for the wary Harpooneer, 

'Tis ^t he should be void of fear, 

Tho' waves their heads above him rear.— - 

Tho' sometimes mounted in the air, 

Still must he balance, with cool care ; 

And when the surging stem is drown'd. 

Dashing the waves, in foam around !, 



♦ Two niceties in catching these fish should not be omitted, viz. 
that to the line of the hook a " Handkerchief," " Feather Vane," 
or some kind of " Streamer," should be fixed above the water, at 
an indefinite height, in order to keep the disguised hook on a flutter, 
and only to dip now and then. — The other is, that, in striking at a 
fish, you should aim rather short of it, — before it. 



500 

Still must be dauntless hear the sound ; 
Or else his efforts can't be crown'd 
With wish'd success ; — no fish for him. 
If once a trembling seize his limb.— 

Firm on the yard, close to the Lift*, 
Bex wields his Harpoon, spite of drift ;— - 
Whose line, at one end, is made fast 
To the yard-arm, — and then 'tis past. 
By running coils in left hand held, 
To the Harpoon,— by right, impell'd. 
Thus the swift fish must meet their doom, ^ 

The instant that they, rushing, come C 

Within a proper striking room. J 

Whene'er one catches Brace's eye, '] 

The fatal weapon 's rais'd on high, — ^ 

He darts ! — as sure, the fish must die l!l -^ 

While some are thus employ 'd in fishing ; 
Others, below, are canvass stitching. — 
Sail-makers now repair their sails t ; — 
Proper employment during gales ; — 
Gunners make wads, — ^and some men plat 
For masts, and yards, the useful mat. — > 

=*■ The " Lifts" are the ropes which support the outer ends of the 
yards ; as the " Slings" do the center. 

f In settled blowing weather (clear of squalls^ not likely to shift), 
if the hatches can be open, and the between-decks (in a Frigate) 
sufficiently dry, these men work there. 



501 

Books also, music, and skylarking *, 
Serve to pass off the tedious darking. — 
Our watchful Master tries the sun. 
Soon as the glass Elev'n has run ; 
By other Officers also done +. 
But still, however, all their care 
Won't brighten up the atmosphere, 
A ring of light, just shews us where 
The sun would be, was it but fair. 
From such a thick haze, it is plain, 
We cannot observation gain ; 
" Dead reck'ning," therefore, is our pride, 
To which, the Youngsters all applied : 
Their day^s works to the Chief are sent, 
On which he passes his judgement. 
So the day goes ; — ^but, before night, 
The setting sun just heaves in sight; 
This we all much delight to see, 
As the gale 's broke, most probably. 



] 



* '[ Sky-larking" is generally used as a term for romping; but 
it is most appropriate when applied to playing about aloft. 

f When the weather is thick, and seems likely to continue so, 
the Sun is watched for the whole day, in order to obtain what are 
termed " double altitudes," (an astronomical method of ascertain- 
ing the latitude) ; at all events, the observers muster on deck, to 
catch a glimpse of the Sun, if possible, about an hour before 
Twelve. 



302 

Still it blows hard !, — but, in the morn, 
Some burnish'd rays the Heav'ns adorn t 
Now the Sea tops ; and sprinkling spray 
Gleams in the Prism's bright array. 
When thus a Rainbow plays among 
The billow tops, — when hush'd the tongue 
Of howling winds, — no longer squalls. 
Whose aspect for keen watching calls ; 
Then *tis, we hope, to soon make sail, 
That done for full due is the gale *. 
But first the Sea is cross, tho' calm ; 
Producing rolling, and the qualm, 
At a dolefully sick'ning rate. 
To those who have not chang'd their statt^ 
That is, are not yet Tars become, 
But still yearn after Mam and Home !— 
All the day long, and night the ncxt^ 
Were we by this wild cross-sea vext;— 
For when strong western snnds impel, 
In the Atlantic, once a swell ; 



* It often happens that the wind may cease, after blowing hard; 
without the gale being over; — in this case the Sea keeps up, and 
the sky looks wild, both of which forebode a more forceful recur- 
rence shortly : but if, upon the wind's lulling, the tops of the waves 
hmak before they attain their usual height, as in a surf on a beach, 
and the sky gradually clears, the w^ater certainly will become smooth* 
and the weather fine. 



303 

It is a good while 'fore it settles. 
So as to steadily boil kettles. ^ 

At day-light 'twas not smooth outright. 
Bat of it we made passing light ; 
For, hark now ! — from the high mast-head^ 
Words that must banish ev'ry dread !!! 
^^ Sir !, a large Sail on the lee-bow * ]" 
My word, there's now a dashing row I — 
A Frenchman sure as fate, for see !, 
Already he begins to flee. — 
He had seen us before we did him, 
As the sun's rays at first had hid him f . 
^' Starboard the helm !" our Captain cries ; 
Whirling !, the wheel that moment flies ; 
^' AH hands make sail !" now loudly sounds. 
Each to his station instant bounds. 
Some reefs are loos'd, more sail is set, 
And up top-gallant masts they get ; 
No teaze at all, nor angry fret ; 
But distinctly clear th/@ order, 
Banishing at once disorder. 



* A Vessel's Bows are divided by the Cutwater (Stem) into two; 
the Larboard and Starboard : either of which may become of course 
^* Lee/' or " Weather," according to circumstances. 

f The Sun's rays frequently shew^ strong light oa one Vessel, 
while they totally obscure another. 



304 

Yet, tlio' to make all sail we thirsty 
Jolihny Crapaud * had seen us first. 
The reason why, Fve said before. 
And it becomes a serious bore ; 
For as he thus the start had got. 
From us he had a good deal shot.-— 
The fickle breeze too favour'd him ; 
While we but move, he seems to skim ! 
Yet, as it 's variable, we 
Expect a chance as well as he ; 
All sail which the cross sea will let, 
Our smart lads in a shindy t set, 
And now Catspaws make our prow wet : 
For, lo ! the spray-drencli'd billet-head 
Shines with a highly -varnish 'd red :|: ! 
No chance occcurs, but a new sail 
Is cautious set, to court the gale ; — 
And, as we urge the pressing chace, 
What ardour ! thro' the Crew we trace. — 

* A very common nickname for the French among our Sailors. 

f '' Shindy" means, in Sea cant, expedition, off-hand. 

X The Head of a Man-of-War is not always adorned by a figure ; 
from the expence of wood, carving, &c. &c., and the difficulty of 
replacing it abroad. — " Billet," and ''Fiddle-heads/' are now much 
esteemed: — the latter is a finish, where the figure would otherwise 
stand, like the head of a violin. — The Billet is the same, only with 
the curl turned out'vjards : both are frequently painted red, and, 
wlien washed by a Vr^ave, acquire a glosi for the moment. 



305 

Our Tars, when once a sail is seen, 

Pursue ! — and are of capture keen, 

Until, alas! their Chief may find 

She is of so much larger kind, 

That 't would be madness, in th' extreme, 

T' approach too near her battering beam. — 

Unwillingly, aware of this, 

All put on sulk's most gloomy phizj 

And glumly such a distance keep, 

That she may not advantage reap, 

From cannon of superior size, 

From force, sense bids us not despise'; 

But, if the foe should vaunting turn 

To chase us, — with what ire we burn!, 

Like the grim Lion !, who from man, 

Soon as he sees his wily plan. 

In sulkiest majesty's array. 

Moves on ! — but neyer Jiees away !!!— = 

So little us'd are we to run, 

That thro' the stern we point no gun !— 

Altho' it can't be term'd disgrace!, 

In time of need, guns thus to place. — 

What a reverse, the poltroon foe 
Does on such an occasion show !~— 
Their stern-chace guns are always clear ; 
Nor can a Vessel e'er appear, 
But they are struck, with anxious fear ; 



306 

The prior thought is abject running. 
Conducted by as abject cunning. 
Nor e'er to chase do they agree, 
Until from all idea set free 
Of opposition ! — then tliey stagger. 
Under all sail, and puff and swagger!— 
In short, — we think of nought but fighting, 
Whilst they of aught else but requiting !!! * 
As in this instance. — Well ! now soon. 
That is, a short time before noon. 



* In the Stern of a Man-of-^^'ar, on the different Gun-decks, 
Port-holes are cut to admit Cannon, which are termed " Stern- 
chacers," (to be used only in retreating) ; as those forward are 
called " Bow-chace," (useful in advancing) : — the former of these 
we never place until absolutely necessary. Other nations, the 
French and Spaniards in particular, almost invariably have them 
run out. — This fact, and that of the kind of fearful precaution taken 
on board Ships of the above-mentioned nations, on discovering a 
strange sail, prove, perhaps in the strongest manner possible, the 
immense superiority of this Country by Sea ; — even if a Frigate of 
ours discovers a Fleet, the joy, bustle, and spirit of attack are still 
the same. — And is it not to this "^ Longing for the Fight," that we 
are much indebted for our supereminence ? — " Attack, and perse- 
vere while life remains!" is the Seaman's Motto ; — the result every 
one knov/s, as also that of a contrary impetus. — The French have 
been beaten by Sea, because they have acted as if they had it in 
contemplation, and were consequently half conquered before they 
set to. — May not also this principle be further corroborated, by re- 
flecting on the successes gained by the French armies, who seem to 
be composed of different men to their Marine; at least act on a 
different system ? And here it is but right to say, that our Troops 
have emulated our Sailors, to a degree approaching the romantic: — 
their triumphs have been many and glorious '.'! 



307 

Th' horizon having somewhat clear'd, 

Having the stranger also near'd. 

We could make out, and nothing loath^ 

That 'twas a Ship of equal growth 

To our own Bark ; — that she was French 

We could not settle, from the stench 

Of garlick and et ccetera^ which 

To nose, our Tars have special itch : 

As now, alas !, to windward we were, 

Therefore (of course) could not snufF Ice air *, 

But, by her dirty sails and hull, 

Certain we are, she 's not John Bull ! 

But this to prove, our Captain chose 

To do what enemies impose ; — 

If they would face us, it were wrong, 

To shew a flag, don't us belong ; 

But, as things are, it is no stain 

To hoist the gaudy flag of Spain +, 

Tho' Crapaud would not be so ta'en ! — 

One shrewdly thinks it was his fancy 

To suspect Spaniards, never at Sea, 

Could in such a keen chasing mood be !!! 

* The Vessels of those. nations which use much garlick, oil, &c, 
&c. have most assuredly a very strong scent; perceivable even at 
some distance, when the wind sets from them. — On this point, how* 
ever. Jack does now and then stretch a little. 

t As a decoy, the Colours of other nations are frequently shewji, 
but never fought under. 

:5 f 



308 

Finding this had no good effect, 
The careful Captain docs direct, 
That our " Ship's number'* may be made *y 
As he (tho* slightly) was afraid 
It might be some poor ship of oursy 
Which thus away on Ocean cow'rs; 
Thro' an unfortunate disaster, 
In which the late hard gale had cast her : 
Perhaps that overboard were thrown 
Her guns, — so she must let alone 
The fight : — But she'd have signal'd ! — no !— 
She might not wish herself to show. — 
'Tis possible, at any rate ! 
But "we must know before it 's late ! — 

The stranger seems the helm to con, 
As if to steer east of Lisbon ; 
And our suspicion we find right :-^ 
Signals Ave hoist, — keep long in sight ; 
She makes no answer, but shoves on, 
As fast as sail can make her run. 

I might as well have said before. 
We were not very far from shore. 

.r ___: ; :__- r :=r - . . "' ' i rrr" '. , — \ : ,i ~t:t3 :: 

* Every Ship in our Navy is numbered, and lias Signals to ex- 
press it;~thi3, vv^ith the additional proof of private Signals, cdh- 
sta'ntly changed (as indeed may be the former), only in the posses- 
sion of Commanders of Men-of-War, and carefully destroyed before 
capture, enables our Vessels to know eacli other, v.ithout the possi* 
bility of being deceived by the enemy. 



309 

The north-Trest gale had made us gain. 
By lee-way, on the coast of Spain ; 
And, by our this day's observation, 
Vigo 's the nearest shelter'd station. 

Full fast we find the stranger sail, 
Yet sometimes we are at his tail, — 
When the treach'rous breezes fail,— 
Every thing that men can do, 
Is done, both by the Chief and Crew. 
During the night, at times she 's seen, 
When the short Moon breaks forth between 
The slowly passing, heavy clouds, 
Under whose gloom she often shrouds ; 
While, thro' the shade's deceiving blink, 
On a fierce broadside's eve, we think, 
We often are, — till found our error. — 
Moonlight e'er makes the Sea a mirror, 
Full of deceit : — yet still we send 
A longing eye ; and still we bend 
Our outstretch'd bodies o'er the prow. 
As if we thus could better know.— 

On the high yard, the deck, cathead ^ 
The anxious watch of Seamen staid t 
Officers, thro' the clear night-glass, 
(Which simple vision must surpass,) 



310 

Look !, and still look !, and look again i^ 

Till thinking 'tis, as they are fain. 

They cry out ever and anon, 

That " much upon him we have won." — ' 

Often it is so : — then the voice 

Of our brave Captain doth rejoice 

The yearning Tars, — as he sings out, 

^' Down to your Quarters !" — Now the shout, 

(A smother'd one) proves the delight. 

With which all hands anticipate the fight !!! 

Ah no ! — ah no ! — fortune benign 
Will not yet on our strivings shine :— 
But stop ! — the foe stern-chacers fires I-~ 
Scarcely each list'ning Tar respires ! 
Now 'tis, we throb ! and doubly yearn ! — 
Now 'tis, our ardent spirits burn ! 
Now, our fond wishes will be crown'd ! — 
Ah no ! — hark to that horrid sound ! — 
Crash ! goes the mast ;— 'tis ours is struck !— 
Ten thousand curses, on such luck !!! — 
Down too in Ocean sinks the moon. 
Our only chance !, Hope's last poor boon I 

Well ! — now we have but one resource. 
Which is, — to steer the direct course 
For Vigo ; — hoping stiU we may, 
Before he enters, cross his way. 



311 

Alas ! we find it can't be so ; — 
No sooner does the day-light show 
The (now) detested Spanish land. 
Than O ! we find, that close at hand 
Is Crapaud ! — at his own command. — 
He has a long way got before us, 
And at his port : — what vexes more us 
Is, that he ev^ry insult tries, 
And most provokingly defies 
Our utmost prowess! — But this will 
For ever be a French ^' true bill," — 
Till time shall worthier thoughts instil.— 
Once safe, — huge specimen of heart t — 
They play us off, a bully's part. 
Hoist colours I-^we are then saluted, 
That Spain may think our lads non-suited !— 
But, O ye gods ! — what foul disgrace ! 
The?/ glory, 'cause they win the race!-^ 
An Epoch noble this they rate ; 
We, only when we dare our fate!!! 
Our disappointed Tars are seen 
To vent their more than angry spleen 
Upon the straining, yielding cords :— ' 
Howe'er this better is than words ; 
For soon aloft a top-mast stands, 
Rear'd by their eager working l^ands. 



312 

Nor is this new fore-iop-mast shot up 
Long, before the rigging 's got up. 
And all a-tanto * sail is set, — 
So once again the prow is wet. — 

But, list to snuffling Jack, the Cookj 
Who, with his very wisest look. 
Tells us, " how this mishap contrary 
*^ Was all along of Mother Gary, 
*^ And of the Parson,^— bless the Pope! — 
*^ That, on his 'davy +, there 's no hope '." 
All our hands join in trust, howe'er, 
That the like luck may happen ne'er, -r- 

Now we approach, and at length bring 
Our Ship so close, that bullets sing 
From the near batt'ries^ — whilst a shell 
Does us at once our danger tell : 
The Captain, to hig utmost grief. 
Finds that there is no one relief, — 
We must be off! — for 'tis most sure 
Our rival is — but too secure. 
An easy sail is therefore spread ; 
We for along-shore turn the head, 

* ** A-tanto" means, all the Masts on end. Yards aloft, Rigginjg 
set up ; — in short, every thing above as it should be. 

f ** Blessing the Pope," is of course ironical, but good-humour- 
edly so, and not unfrequently ustd. — " Davy" is here the cant ab> 
breviation of afi^tiavit. 



31S 

As tho' we would Finisterre gain *, 
And let him 'scape, be he but fain.— 

Night comes apace ; — ^but, before dark. 
We board a Dane, and, only hark ! 
He tells our most delighted Chief, 
*' That, anchored just within a reef, 
" In a north-eastern Harbour nigh, 
" Two Vessels are (which he rates high) ; 
" A Spaniard of five hundred tons, 
*^ Most richly laden, but with guns ; 
" And, also, that a Privateer, 
** Of greater force, lay very near ; 
" And that batteries close appear." — - 
No sooner said, — 
Than sail is made; 

And all aboard cry, " Who's afraid?^ 
Soon is the Ship in canvass dreit, — 
And for the port we make our best. 
On deck the Captain calls the Crew, 
And does not say, " Now you, and you, 
" I order to the dread surprise;" 
But the whole Ship's company tries : 



X ** Vigo" is a Spanish port, between Lisbon and Cape Finisterre. 
— ^There are also other strong harbours in this run. — After rounding 
the above Cape from the south-westward, you enter the Bay of 

•Biscayo 



314' 

He tells the tale the Dane had told. 

And then says, " Lads ! now who 's so bold 

" As to this port, in boats to steer, 

" And cut out Ship, and Privateer ?" 

A tumultuous, instant // 

Breaks from the Crew, " ril, Sir, or die!** 

'^ My Heroes !" — hear the Chief exclaim !, 
(Nor undeserv'd the glorious name,) 
^^ That is enough ; — since none refuse, 
^' Let Officers ! appoint Boats' Crews. '*-^ 

Our First Lieutenant 'tis directs 
The enterprise ; — and first selects 

(From senior rank) his gallant set^ — 

Truly not difficult to get ! 

What sharpens his zest is, he knows 

He'll rise in rank, if but his foes 

Succumb beneath his ardent blows •.—r 

For Reward after Desert goes *. 

Not that the others are not keen 

To act, in this right glorious scene ; 

He has supericr zesl!, I mean. 

Now some one makes his cutlace sharp, 

Soon on t)ie same string all hands harp ; 



* It may be reckoned a rule of the Service (from long custom), 
that " the Senior Officer, in a successful* attack, is rewarded." — 
The younger ones may behave equally well, but it is not yet their 
turn. — ^The spirit of Icokiiig forivard is thus ever kept alive. 



315 

And round each hilt a Grummet twist. 

In order to receive the wrist ; 

So that, when scrambling up the side, 

A sword can't drop, it being tied * • 

The Captain will not let them take 

A pistol, for their safety*s sake; 

As, if this weapon misses fire, 

Expos'd to all the fury dire 

Of irritated vengeful foes, 

A gal'ant Tar his life's blood throws!— 

Ship-pistols seldom are right good t 
Nor can their use be understood. 
Without on board a Ship such practice 
As we can't reach, for such the fact is to 

Besides the Captain thinks, a Tar, 
Having, in this close kind of war. 
An opportunity to choose 
Two weapons, may not either use, 

* " A Grummet," is a ring made of rope : — you put your hand 
through this first, and then grasp the handle of your cutlace, to 
which it is attached. — By the sword being thus fastened to the wrist, 
in chmbing up a Vessel's side, you may let it hang; having the use 
of your hand, without danger of the weapon's dropping. 

f The pistols furnished to Men-of-VVar, are probably as good as 
oth^r common ones; — but even the best are liable to miss fire, 
through damp, which cannot be sufficiently corrected on Sea Ser- 
vice, especially in boats. ^As to the practice, — to arrive at any 

degree of perfection, men should be daily at it ; which, after all, 
would only be a waste of time and powder, for, in the tumult of 
boarding, a steady aim cannot be taken. 



S16 

By any means f o full extent, 
Being on both — but too intent. 
Not give such dashing spirit vent. 
Whereasj (and it does seem good sense,) 
Give him but his best known defence^ 
His well-form'd Cutlace, — let his trust 
Be in the parry and the thrust ; 
Depend on't he'll not let it rust ! — 
But, you'll say, if the cutlace break, 
What, would you then a stand-by make l- 
I answer thus! — there's scarcely danger^ 
To that man, who is not a stranger 
To a Ship's deck, and to his sword : 
For he knows ropes will not afford 
Such room as lets an uprais'd arm 
Do an opponent serious harm :-^ 
The crowd 's so great too at the first. 
That tho' you have the keenest thirst 
To cut and slash with might and main, 
Yet still you must, per force!, refrain. 
For, if you raise your arm on high, 
'Tis ten to one but you will die !!!— 
Your point is kept by ropes in air. 
And (Jws your bosom is laid bare *. 



* The ropes intersect each other so much on board Ship, and so 
many other obstacles present themselves, that it is not possible tc 
use a Eword. as in an open jpace. 



317 

Therefore, I say, a man no stranger 
To all this, cannot life endanger : 
As far, at least, as mortal art 
Can turn aside death's fatal dart. 

These swords are rightly short and straight. 
Well guarded, and of proper weight ; 
With ev'ry quality combin'd 
Tars can, indeed, e'er wish to find. — 
Now I could hope, it does appear. 
With swords alone there 's less to fear, 
Than with too much of warlike gear. — 
When boarding Crafty — this maxim true 
Our Captain thought : — but when the Crew 
Were sent upon a hostile shore. 
On which arm'd Horse might rapid pour ;— 
Where there was space for the fierce-foe 
To, with a single vengeful blow, 
The cutlace into shivers break ; 
And, thus expos'd, their heart's blood take :— 
In such an instance^ he would say. 
That Tars should be in good array ; — 
Should have a sword, a pistol, pike, 
(The last, what Sailors chiefly like,) 
Or in its stead, the musket black*. 
Unto whose end the bay'net tack. — 

* The barrels of Ship muskets are stained black, to prevent rust. 



318 

Necessity might loudly call, 

For the full use of these things all.— 

But come ! — behold, the Light-house now in sight, 
^ear which we are to urge th' eventful fight. — 
Our Frigate is hove to *, and, without noise, 
^'- Hoisting the boats out," ev'ry man employs ; 
Furnish'd with compasses, and due provision 
Of water fresh (in kegs) too no omission. — 
Soon they are mannM,>— and then told by the Chief. 
" They may depend on every relief 
" Being afforded by those in the Ship ; 
" Which shall forthwith to the nigh entrance slip, 
^^ And anchor, or keep close, as e'er she can." 
Then hear hira firmly cry,— '^ May evVy man 
" Remember well, he is a British Son, 
^' And -therefore nerer from bis duty run!!!" 

Fain would the gallant fellows all have cheered, 
But an alarm might have been justly feared. 

Directed by i\ic gleaming of the light, 
How to direct our Frigate's course aright. 
Now, with the boats in tow, we quickly veer'd +, 
And straight towards the harbour's op'ning steer'd. 

* To " heave to," is to stop the way of a Vessel, by a ma- 
nagement of the sails. 

t '* To tow,'* is to draw a slower moYing body than yourself 
after you, by means of a Hawser, &c. — ** Veering,'' is turning a 
Vessel round, by a contrary method to *' Tacking :"— it is gene- 
rally pronounced " wearing," 



319 

The First Lieutenant, from correct reflection^ 
Had given to all the boats distinct direction. 

Those, who commanded them, were clearly told 
That they must ev'ry one together hold ; 
That they must also on their Crews impose 
The very strictest silence, — till they close, 
(Oars being muffled too *,) their num'rous foes. 

The Third Lieutenant is, with all his force, 
(Whene'er directed) to keep rapid course 
For, and attack the Spanish Merchant-man ^r— 
A feasible, and well-digested plan ! 

Look now ! — on 'Thwarts t, beside each man you trace 
The glitt'ring of the naked, sharp cutlace ; 
A few Marines, with pointed bay 'nets fixt, 
Observe i 5 are seated the Stern-sheets i betwixt;— 
One 's in the bow, in order to defend 
The man, who must the useful boat-hook ^ tend. 

* To " muffle oars/' is to cover the part which works, in such 2 
manner, as to prevent the usual noise. 

t The ** Thwarts," or **Athwavts," of a Boat, are seats which g© 
across. 

]: This is the immediate space between the Rowers and Stern of 
a Boat. 

§ A man, called the " Bowman," is always ready with a pole, 
at the end of which is a spike and hook (Boathook), to prevent the 
boat coming too forcibly against a VesseFs side ; and to keep her 
there when her way is stopped. — It is of the last consequence, in 
boardingj to keep a boat close to, or the Crew cannot support each 
other; — therefore the Boathook-men should ever be protected by 
cne of the others, until fhe whole of the Boarders, are throvfn in- 



320 

See ! alsoj by the First Lieutenant's side, 
Where Sandy Mayne bravely his fate defied. 
He it is who commands the Marine few ; 
xin Hibernian serjeant of them too 
Is plac'd amongst this truly choice boat's Crew. — 
Behold him seated, his lov'd Chieftain near ; 
Who, he declares, •' shall not have cause to fear 
" His life to lose, while so be Dennis Burn 
*^ Can, in his fist, a weapon stoutly turn ! " — 
To our poor Pat Mahony's real grief, 
He is commanded strictly by the Chief 
To stay on board a Ship : — He is no Marine, — 
Nor yet enough of a smart Sailor seen ; — 
Poor fellow ! — such a forced inactive part 
Pained, to the core, his enterprising heart : — 
But I can warrant he'll have chance enough, 
To prove he's made of proper sterling stuff. — 

As for Ben Brace, he 's Coxswain of a Cutter * ; 
Delermin'd, as he fiercely swears, ^' to butter 
" His, like a razor-siiarpen'd pointed Cutlace, 
'' In some long Spaniard's yellow-colouf*d carcase." 

Reader! excuse the iermy — consider now 
Our Sailors sternly rush to meet the foe !!! — 

Sail now is shorten'd, — and laid to the mast ;— 
And boats are forthwith order'd to be " cast 



Cutter," is a boat ?o called. 



321 

OfFj from the Tow-line :" — done ! — and we let go 
Gently our kedge, to steady keep the prow *. 

All is dead silence !— -not a single soul 
Can his anxiety of thought controul ; 
The mind presages, that perhaps again 
We ne'er may see those noble, gallant men. 
Whom we have known, and therefore lov'd so long. 
No wonder then some painful feelings throng, — 
And press upon the heart, which throbs most keen, 
While work'd-up in this anxious !, awful scene! 
On the stow'd hammocks, pensive, see one rest I ;— 
It is the Captain I — seemingly opprest ! — 
Two Youngsters could not in the Ship be found, 
Altho' the Vessel had been search'd around : — 
'Tis clear then, they must in the boats have hid, 
Departing thus from what his orders bid : — 
Which were, " that none on board them be allow 'd 
^^ But active men, nor that e'en these should croud.'* 
Jn them howe'er Ned and his Nephew stow'd. — 
Yet, altho' griev'd, he cannot but admire 
This truly genuine proof of British fire.— 
Consider too, his feelings for the brave, 
The noble Tars, who care not for the grave | 



* *^ Kedge," is a small anchor, Men-of-War use at times in cahn 
weather, to prevent drift from tide or current, — in soundings, 

Y 



-i 



322 

And 'tis no wonder should, at times, a sigh, ' 
Unwilling, from his disturbed bosom fly. — 

In awful darkness glooms the sullen night, — 
Hush'd is the blowing of the breezes quite : — 
When, hark ! — a gun ! — the boats then must be seen ! 
Instant! half overboard we panting lean, — 
And listen in intensely keen suspense ; 
Deeply absorbed is ev'ry throbbing sense : — 
We strive to penetrate the heavy gloom, 
But all in vain ; — there 's nought but shadVy loom ^' : 
When, hark again i — what furious uproar bursts ! — 
Each parch'd-up palate almost fevcr'd thirsts! — 

Ha ! what a roar of guns ! — that bursting shout I — 
Now then e'en wildest mischief is let out ! — 

Again ! again ! — O Heav'nly Pow'r ! that we 
Could only but the mortal striving see, — 
O ! we would e'en supremely happy be ! — 
For, thus pent closely up amidst the dark ! 
Hearing those deadly engines fearful bark ; 
Knowing that war, in all its ire, is loos'd, 
And yet the smallest knowledge of 't refus'd ; — ; 
O! this suspense creates such anguish dire, 
As even would the coldest bosom fire. 



* The " loom" of any thing, is its indistinct appearance ; — thus, 
before land is seen, there is a kind of dark shade over it, which i* 
called the '' loom of land." 



323 

Bat, ha ! what means that worse than death -like calm !— 
Why do I gasp ! — whence steals that sick'ning qualm?— 

The deadly strife is past !— Oh ! who has won ? — 
Almighty Pow'r protect each British Son! — 



But, hark !— what 's this ! — with most tremendous roar, 
The batt'ry-guns re-echo from the shore. 
Ha ! then 'tis probable the fight is ours ! 
O ! quickly pass, ye tedious, anxious hours ! 

During three wretched ones we knew this state,— 
Knew not, nor could, the dreadful battle's fate; 
When, as the morning faintly streaks the sky, 
A dash of tugging oars approaches nigh. — 
They come! — they come ! — all instantaneous cry! — 
^' Some Sailors quickly fly and 'tend the chair *, 
" Let wounded Shipmates be our prior care 1" — 

Scarcely 'tis said, when a tumultuous cry 
Of '' Lofty sails a-stern, Sir, we espy." 
Each at the exclamation wildly starts, 
While near to bursting swell our beating hearts. 

A Boat we now make out ; — our anxious fears 
Are soften'd much, as she our Frigate nears. 
The noble First Lieutenant loudly hails : 
'' What you perceive astern, — those lofty sails, 

* There is, in every Man-of-War, a ** Chair" fitted, to hoist 
wounded men, or the sick^ in or out of a Ship. 

y2 



324 

" Are the two Prizes : — thro' humanity^ 

" I've been induc'd to bring along with me 

" Those of our people who the worst wounds show; 

" As also some of those of our late foe.— 

'• In the attack i/fey have a number lost; 

'' While but a few have suffer'd to our cost." 
Before the boat could come close alongside, 

All hands had to the chains and gangway hied, 

To strenuously assist the fated few, 

Who had ^x^Q^w wounded, of their own Ship's Crew ; 

And vanquish'd enemies to help up too ! 

The first who was haul'd up, pale, weak, and bleeding. 
Was one we can by no means pass unheeding, — 

All loudly cry out, ^^ It is poor young Harry !" 
Whose ebbing life's blood scarcely seems to tarry I-— 
The Captain kisses iiis cold murm'ring lips^ 

Bears him at once to his own be:l, and strips 

Th' apparently death-strickeu, speechless Boj- ;— 

Whose wayv/ard fate damps Yicl'ry's cheering joy. 

Another's lioislcd up : 'tis daring Bob! — 

" Hurra! my lads," I.e cries, ^^ we've done tlie job!"' 

Scarce said !, wlicn of his la(.e impeUions blood 

No throb could be pcrcciv'd! — check'd was the flood 

That lately mantled thro' iiis manly check,. 

And made him dangers p.) undaunted seek. 

Here is a proof of m.ost intrinsic merit \ 

He swoons !— yet to the last maintains his spirit. 



.325 

The Captain, just returning on deck, cries, 
'^ Take him below, — attend his wounds," he sighs.. 

Our First Lieutenant 'tis who comes up next, — 
And, only think!— the Hero's great pretext 
For his not mounting on tlie Gangway first. 
Is, that he b'lieves his wound is not the worst. 
Wounded he is! — '' but then a shatter'd arm, 
" From the Town-batt'ry guns — is all the harm," 
(He, with much coolness, says) " that he has got^ 
'^ Whilst the two others have a far worse lot ; 
" For, a good while before him, they receiv'd 
" An injury, he feai"s, can't be reliev'd 
" E'en by the skilful Surgeon's utmost art;" — 
They had in fact been stabb'd in dang'rous part. 

We found that Henry did the danger face, 
In the same boat with his well-lov'd Ben Brace. 

It seems it was not known that he was there, 
Until the boats had gone too far to dare 
Return again, and put him on-board Ship ; 
Therefore this daring Youngster took his trip. — 

This once decided, he, with gallant pride. 
Ranges himself close to Ben Brace's side, — 
By Ben, on whom he does so fondly doat,— 
With a black musket taken from the boat : — 
In this array he heeds no cannon's gape, 
Alt ho' it belches flames, and deadly grape. 



326 

With loudest cheers*, they dare the fiery storm ; 
Nor does pale fear one single brow deform ; — 
Clapp'd alongside the foe, they furious rush, 
Amidst the cut, and yet more yengeful push. 
Their deadly cutlaces in foes to sheathe, 
And snatch for Britain Vict'ry's glorious wreath !!! 
Ben is the first to mount th'o'erhanging- chains; — 
A post, he most undauntedly maintains : — 
But courage solely could not shield his heart 
From weapons which his foes with fury dart ; — 
'Tis Henry proves his Guardian from below, — 
Henry ! who watch'd the strivings of the foe : — 
Th' heroic Boy saw by a musket's flash, 
A frowning Spaniard ! — just prepar'd to dash 
His pointed pike, held in a fatal rest, 
Thro' the lov'd Seaman, gallant Brace's breast; — 
— Instant!, the godlike youth takes eager aim, — 
Fortune proves kind, for down the Spaniard came : 
— In agony, his teeth the ring-bolts+ bite, 
Until his soul sinks to an endless night. — 
Ben quickly lays the next opponent low. 
And then darts on-board on the fear-struck foe. 



* At the moment of onset, the *' bursting cheer," is the British 
Seaman's glory. 

f The ** ring-bolts," are strong iron rings, fixed into the deck 
near every gun, to which its tackles are hooked. 



327 
But ah ! the flash of brave young Henry's guu;. 
Had shewn his figure to a Spanish Don, 
Who, with a forceful, niurd'rous thrust, extends 
The youthful Hero, w^ho his friend defends! — 
Stretch'd wounded in the boat the noble Boy, 
Bleeding, and faint with pain, yet mo a?is his py,.,,. 
When an exulting peal of huzzas ! show. 
That vanquish'd is the late vindictive foe Ill- 
No sooner are they sure the Vessel's ta'en, 
Than grateful Ben, rendered almost insane. 
Looks out the gallant Lad, and in his arras, 
Part of the sufTrer's agony disarms, — 
And soon as e'er the captur'd Vessels each 
Are safely tow*d out of all danger's reach. 
The wounded Youngster in a boat is plac'd, 
Nor by this stripling are e'en 7nen disgrac'd ;— 
While Ben, the strokesman of this fine boat's Crew, 
With all his energy, his firm oar drew ; 
Cheering the rest, to do their best to row, 
That means be quickly had to stop the blow, 
Hoping the Surgeon's long-experienc'd art. 
May yet some certain remedy impart. 

It was in towing out of port, when master, 
Our gallant First Lieutenant met disaster. — 

All had evinc'd tlem&elves in this brush, brave ! 
But one alone, had metj alas! his grave: — ' 



528 

That is, but one of them was kill'd outright, 

In the fierce tumult of this daring fight ; — 

His name Reece Owen ! — and a smart fore-top-man, 

To be lamented more than whom, few e'er can, 

By Captain, Officers, and Ship's Crew all ; 

His fate makes even glorious success pall. — 

This young man came from th' Isle of Anglesea, 

And was as well dispos'd, as Tar could be : — 

But we will not dwell longer on the theme, 

It doth indeed too melancholy seem. 

But say — the Merchantman, altho' well arm'd. 
And as the stouter Privateer alarm'd. 
And consequently set upon her guard, 
Yet did not much our dashing lads retard. 
For soon their fearful job was final done ! — • 
A few were kill'd before our Sailors won, — 
While others, for the desp'rate chance's sake^ 
Of saving life, unto the waters take ; 
The rest jump down below, and abject hide 
Their panic fears, and their late vaunting pride!!!— 

Here let me tell, that young courageous Ned, 
As t'other Younker, dar'd his blood to shed ;— - 
Not one could with a truer spirit burn, — 
Not one could with a greater feeling mourn, 
When he was told of his poor Messmate's fate, 
These rivals sometimes fought, but did not hate !!1 



329 

The wounded enemy, now thus no more. 
Had not in piteous accents to implore 
Assistance, from the gen'rous British Tar, — 
"^ Mercy begins with them ! wlien ceases war !* 

But now bright Sol's thrice-cheering ray, 
O'er i\ie smooth water 'gins to play ;— 
Near are the lately hostile sails, 
To whom our Captain loudly hails,— 
" Let go the Anchor, that we may 
^^,0'erhaul, before you're sent away/' 

He knows a hostile Frigate 's near, 
Which must of course th' event soon hear ; 
And may, our Prizes once but gone, 
Think if she then in battle join, 
She might our Bark with ease purloin ;— 
As to well man each Prize demanded, 
What may our Crew make too short-handed* 
And should we keep the Spanish coast, 
Our Ship must have anum'rous host 
Of sulky Prisoners, who will 
Require some force to keep them still. — 
Crediting thus the foe, our Chief 
Determines to have one relief; 
Another motive makes him strain 
A point or two,-— he is humane!— 



530 

This politic and good intention, 
Reader! without delay Til mention : — 
It is — (should nothing cross forefend), 
He would on shore his Prisoners send 
On their parole,— and by receipt* 
Tied, that they will not Britons meet, 
Until exchanged, in hostile fight; — 
But keep aloof from warfare quite. 
This is determined : — ^but before 
He sends his Captives all on shore^ 
He would dispatch our Prizes two. 
With each a just sufficient Crew ; — 
And then a flowing sail to make, 
(For, as I've told, what motive's sakef^ 
And get upon their native shore 
Our captur'd Spaniards ; — then before 
That this, our rival Ship can know, 
Off her own Port to vaunting go ; — 
And by all means we can devise, 
Provoke her till she fighting tries ; 
Hoping she may us too weak think, 
And therefore maj^n't from battle shrink. 



* When prisoners are sent on shore in this manner, the officer 
they are delivered to, gives a receipt for the number, which is ba- 
lanced against any of our men the enemy may have, or to credit. — 
They should not serve until exchanged. 



331 

If this won't answer — then he wou'd 
Stand off a time, — and as best cou'd. 
Have our snug Frigate so disguis'd. 
That she raay not as such be priz'd, — 
Of course, be by the foe despis'd ! 
Howe'er, w hat first the Captain meant, 
Was, '' that our Prizes home be sent." — 
The Third Lieutenant, with Mids twoj 
And twenty hands, form a good Crew 
For the stout Privateer ; while ien 
Is number quite enougfi of men. 
Commanded by the Lad whose merit. 
Made him, as I've said, a favourite ; — 
Whose six years time was nearly serv'd, — 
Who had a name, so well deserv'd ; — 
To man the Spanish Merchant-sliip : 
With orders that he should not slip 
His Consort ; lest, upon his course, 
He be attack'd by greater force.* 

As soon as each Prize was well clear'd, — 
When ev'ry thing quite fit appeared, — 

* And here the Author could wish to again impress the impor- 
tant advantage of " a sufficient degree of Nautical Education 
among Fore-mast-men ;"~inasmuch as it renders them competent to 
take charge of Prizes. At times a numerous convoy is captured by, 
perhaps, only one or two of our Men-of-war; — these have not 
officers enough to take charge : — a steady Seaman who can keep a 
Reckoning, becomes then of real value ! 



3S2 

Provision^ water, charts, and gear ; 
Their Crews embark. — We weigh and steer, 
Keeping each other company, 
Until an Offing 's got at Sea ; — 
When, once thus distant from the land, 
" To part," the Captain gives command. 

AH our Prisoners are secur'd, 
And in the after-hold* immur'd :— 
But mind ! well treated, and well fed, 
With ev'ry one his clothes and bed ;— 
For we disdain like French to plunder, 
Whene'er the cannon cease to thunder. 
No private property is ta'en ; — 
The national I alone we gain, — 
But I must be well understood ; 
No thorough Seaman ever wou'd 
Touch e'en one article of dress, — 
Or any thing, which might distress 
Those poor unfortunates, who may. 
In captive state be led away :^- 



* The ''After-hold" is towards the stern, and in a Frigate is se- 
parated from the Cockpit, by a partition of grating ; it is therefore 
airy ; and receives light from the Cockpit, where tiiere is a cen- 
tinel ; — a deck of spare planks, &c. is laid over the casks, so that 
it is far from being uncomfortable at night. In the day-time, a 
certain number are allowed on deck, in their turn. 



333 

Yet, tho' the truely brave refrain, 
At times you find there is a stain, — 
A shameful stain upon a Crew, 
Brought on them by a pilf'ring few. — 

'Tis known, that Magisti;ates on shore, 
Will often open Mercy's door 
To some delinquents, who must hang, 
Or feel the convict's bitter pang, 
Were they not sent to Men-of-war, 
To make amends there, as the Tar*. — 
No wonder, you'll allow it then. 
That sometimes we may meet such men, 
As will, for sake of dirty gain. 
Give to a gen'rous spirit pain. — 
Sorry I am to say, a damp 
Spread o'er our Crew, from one low scamp t. 

For this bad chap, we had to thank 
(He stood alone, tho' in the rank,) 
A Guardship, where all men are brought, 
Destin'd for Naval War — till sought ; — 
It is not, you conceive ! their fault 
That they get men not worth their salt !— 



* Meaning such as, from the tenor of their lives, would come to 
sad ends, were th«y not prevented as above. 
f A term of most contemptuous reproach. 



334 

However, we are forc'd to graft, 
Amongst our Crew, the harbour-draft ; 
In which we found this wretched man, 
Who had, past doubt, from justice ran, 
Or been sent, as I've told the plan. 
A Spaniard, with much grimace, cries, 
'* That some one had his all made prize.'' 

Full sure ! he was of clothes bereav'd ; 
As certain too, that they were thievM.— 
Our Captain was most sorely vex'd. 
But how to act, not long perplex'd :— 
He issues loudly his commands, 
*' That upon deck be turn'd all h^nds!'* 
Assembled there, — he tells the deed. 
And sternly cries, ^' he hopes, with speed. 
" The Crew will find the culprit out."— 
Scarce said ! — when an indignant shout ! 
Proves that there are indeed but few. 
Who would so vile an action do. — 
Now they disperse to decks between ; 
And are in busy groupings seen :— 
Not long tho' ! — for it soon came out, 
Who was the dirty, thieving lout ! 
This fellow, now on deck is brouglit, 
And is, in spite of cunning, caught, — 
As on him found is, what they soiight, — 



335 

111 part, — remainder in his bag, — 
Just as the Spaniard nam'd each rag* ;— » 
For they were little better, troth ! 
Well boird, would make a sav'rj broth ! 
Howe'cr, the crime is full as bad 
As tho* all elegance they had ; — 
For the same nasty thief would dare, 
Fflch rather things for richness rare. 

Convinc'd, of course, the angry Chief 
Declares at once an order brief, 
*^ Put him in irons *.'■ — Why this pau^e 
In punishment is, that because 
The Captain, to high manhood true. 
Thinks justice fair may best accrue 
By waiting a whole night between 
A crime, and the most irksome scene 
in which an OfF'cer has to act ; 
But from whence he must not retract. 
Enforcing discipline! — a sting 
Of bitter kind, this e*er must bring : 
For what can wound the manly heart ? 
More than inflicting painful smart 

* Called also the ** Bilboes;" being a long iron bar, with shackles 
for the ancle: — a culprit sits with his leg (or legs, if the crime be 
very heinous) confined, a good deal in the same manner as in 'the 
Stocks; not at all more severe : — when they walk, it must be taken 
off. 



5S6 

On fellow"men ?— jet it must be I 

When there is sad necessity: — 

Asy for the comfort of the whole^ 

It is a duty to cotroulj 

To crush, dread vice I — which to a Chief 

Must, on reflection, give relief. — 

An Officer can never pause^ 

Whene'er there is to punish cause. 

It would indeed be worse than wrong !— 

His actions to the Laws belong ! — 

He must to those good Laws be true^ — 

Mostp for the welfare of his Crew : 

This to his Country too he owes, 

And, in so doing, nobly shows 

A contrast to our cruel foes ; 

Who let the passions have their will, 

And, how oft!, ravish, thieve, or kill. 

Or wliatsoe'er the dreadful ill !!! 

Never!, in Bmrisii Men-of-Mar. 

Does punishment affect the Tar, 

Who is but honest!, brave!, and willing! :- 

'Tis he who pilfers clothes, or shilling; — 

The dirty, lazy, poltroon knave! 

Whom none indeed would wish to save, 

That falls beneath the law's dread lash. 

And feels the cutting whip-cord gash. — 



337 

Oh ! why will not mankind but think. 
Why will they not for ever shrink 
From those sad vices, which bring dowrl 
SufF'ring" upon the guilty crown ? — 
But while Vice stalks its hideous round, 
To crush it ! honest men are bound. — 
The morrow is the desthi'd day 
This wretch's vile account to pay ; -^ 
For he not only was a thief. 
But all his watch-mates told the Chief, 
He ne'er would 'tend to the relief! 
In short, he was as sad a wretch 
As ever had escap'd Jack Ketch 1 
Well ! — I have only now to tell, 
Always is plac'd a Centinel 
Over the shackled prisoner, 
When crimes on board a Ship occur ; 
And that the Corp'ral quickly brings 
To the glad Spaniard all his things ; 
Who is too by the Chief assur'd, 
^' That the offender is secur'd ; 
^' And that he shall to-morrow see 
" Him punish'd with severity : — 
" He shall in British Vessels find, 
" That nothing passes of this kindj 



338 

" Without a fearful retribution ; 

^* Such being our Naval Institution ! " 

The Spaniard scarcely would believe. 
That we could thus his loss retrieve r 
Mourning his lot, the wretched foe 
Had late sunk to the depth of woe ; 
But now he grateful wonder shows : — 
How different it is! he knows. 
From what his countrymen impose, 
Should Britons sink beneath their blows ; 
When chance! but never well-earn'd war ! 
Puts in their pow'r a British Tar * : 
Convinc'd he is, we are not those 
Who can bear malice after blows ! — 



* History certainly has not given the Spanish nation much credit 
for generosity to prisoners, or humanity in war ; witness, as most 
prominent, their ravages in Mexico and Peru. — *^ CastiKan Honour" 
(implying, it is to be thence presumed, simply " fulfilment of en- 
gagements,") has however, with whatever truth, been proverbial.— 
The National Character, since its debasement through French con- 
nection, seems even to be void of this pretension. — ^Justice however 
should be rendered to the noble acts of individuals at times, a pa- 
rallel to which is to be found in every nation under the sun. 



END OF CANTO VI. 



CANTO VII. 



z 2 



Argument. 



Stand in for a Spanish Port, to send tiie Prisoners on shore — Close 
in with the Land at day-light — Appearance of ditto — Punishment 
— Captain's Speech to the Crew — Get rid of the Prisoners on 
Parole — Spanish Governor sends Receipt, Thanks, and a Present 
of Fruit, &c. — Steer for Vigo — Find the French Frigate still un- 
der the Batteries — Dare her to come out ; all in vain — Come to 
at the Harbour's Mouth — Supply ourselves with fresh Water, 
haul the Seine, and set up the Rigging, &c. — Stand out to Sea— 
Disg-uise the Ship— A Man falls over-board — Ben Brace's Con- 
duct — Cruise — Get tired — Captain perseveres, and just at the 
expiration of three Weeks, at break of day, we find our old 
Rival close to us — She is deceived ; comes within range of Shot, 
and we bring her to Close Action — Board — Sequel. 



THE 



CRUISE. 



CANTO YIL 

We, as I said, stood out to sea 
With Prizes both, in company ;— . 
That when they left us, the dark land 
Remain'd in sight, but not at hand : — 
For it we steer, with little way, 
As our spread canvass flapping lay. 
Against the Masts, part of the day. — 
Our Captain (as I said) would bend 
His course to port, that he may send 
Our sulky Pris'ners all on shore, — 
The wherefore has been told before. — 

Fresh, partial breezes, during night. 
Gave us at morn the land in sight : 
Indeed, we were so very near. 
That mountain- tops, like clouds appear. 



342 

What makes it so, is that their bases^ 
A fog quite from our view erases ; 
But, as the burning Sun exhales. 
Upwards from the deep valley sails 
This morning vapour ; and we see 
A charming country, on the lee ; — 
Ascending still, this mist is tost 
In various forms, until quite lost. 

Now ! the eye's scrutinizing search 
Finds put the village, with its church :— - 
We that extensive building rate 
A mansion of the haughty great ; — 
From its appearance it must be 
The palace of a proud Grandee !— 
But how delighted !— we compare 
With this, that tasty villa there I 
By fairies it was surely built 
For happiness ; — as never guilt 
Could such Arcadian scenes invade ;-— 
No ! — Love and Virtue there have staid. -^ 

Now 'tis ! that Fancy widely roams, 
And brings us to our native homes ; — 
Now ! our hearts throb ! ;— one fondly tells, 
^^ In such a house, my parent dwells." 
O !, how each bosom, yearning swells Ill- 
There!, from all fear of tyrants free, 
Pwell worth and sociability 5— 



343 

There !, at this hour they tranquil sleep,— 
O ! could we now but take one peep !— 
'Tis vain ! — But what is that dark gloom ! 
"What is it, does in horrors loom, 
Over that yawning mountain chasm ? 
Whose distant look creates a spasm ! — 
O'ertopp'd too by those Alpine rocks, 
Which 'midst the earthquake's forceful shocks. 
Must, one would think, with hideous sweep, 
Force the huge fabric o'er the steep ! — 
A Convent 'tis ! — or Monast'ryl — 
Lord !, in thy goodness, keep me free 
From such a prison, tomb-like spot, — 
From such an austere vicious lot ; — 
Why ! I'd as soon die of the rot Ill- 
Many a lovely creature there, 
Is driven to a wild despair! — 
Immur'd ! — shut out from social joy ! 
Which, 'midst the ills of life, will buoy 
Us up, in spite of ev'ry care :— 
In social life, we cannot share 
Such mis'ries as, we needs must think, 
O'er-brim the cup, a Nun ! must drink : — 
He, who will not a bandage bind 
O'er his own eyes, may ever find 
Great happiness amongst his kind. 



344 

Oft have the Nuns themselves confeet, 

A social life has greatest zest : 

Each sex must act, and feel the same, — 

Both cherish that all-pow'rfnl flame, 

CalPd mighty Love! 

Both prize it, ev'ry thing above !!!— 

What makes the world worth living in ?--* 
That! — which in ev'^y age has been, 
Our most transcendent,-— constant pleasure !— 
What! but sweet Love ! our chiefest treasure ;- 
Love ! which the sadly pining Nun, 
Must, against Nature's pleadings, shun i 
That is, at least, to outward face 5 
But we must not minutely trace.—? 
Yet, if their rules they sacrifice? 
Ineffably ! we should despise. 
Under the garb of sanctity 
They sin! — ^yhat curs'd hypocrisy !l! 
Nor can their joys, from woes be free. 

Therefore I think it w^ould appear 
The life is vicious, or austere.—^ 
As for the Friar, Priest, and Monk, 
They should not love, or yet goi drunk i 
But they are lads of too much spunk! — 
Altho' at sin, they cry out, " faugh I" 
And seem to steer within the law ; 



545 

Yet all the sentiment they feel. 

Is how they raa}'^ from man conceal 

Their vicious ways ; as to that Eye ! 

Which does our hidden thoughts espy, — 

Pho! Tvhat of that ! ; before they die. 

They will, of course, with fury pray, — 

Give with true charity away, — 

And so be white ! at Judgement Day !!! 

A vapid, or an impious waste 

Of life, they make ; — no heav'nly taste 

Of real love, or social friendship. 

Can these most wretched mortals e'er sip, 

Within their hideous gloomy walls : — 

Zounds ! — why the very sight appals !— 

Rather than be coop'd up with ye, 

I *d spend a life entire, at Sea; 

Buffet old Davy, — nor the shore 

Bargain to touch atj ever more!!!-— 

Different is the House of Rest 

Unto the jieedy, and distrest. — 

But let no vows !, no forc'd !, guil'd will, 

Nature's best feelings ever kill ! — 

Why make of life, a bitter pill ? 

Our wish'd-for port is now brought near. 
When hark ! — 'Tis Seven Bells you hear,-?« 
The usual time, when punishment 
Has its heart-moving!, fearful vent I. 



546 

The Chiefs with serious brow commands, 
^' That now the Boatswain call all hands !** — 
The Spanish Prisoner then is sought, 
And forthwith, on the gangway brought, 
(He who so late complain 'd, I mean) 
To witness this impressive scene; — 
To see how Britons can decree. 
Against an abject villaihy. 

Scarce does the awful order sound, 
Than throughout, grave dispatch is found. 
Things to prepare : — a grating 's tied, 
Where punishment must be applied. — 

The Quarter-masters sternly stand, 
With each a twisted fox* in hand ; 
The huge grim Boatswain, and his Crew, 
Rank, with their dreadful cats !+ in view ; 
Inspiring sentiments of pain, 
Language can ne'er, no ne'er ! explain. 

Around the spot is form'd a ring ;— 
And now the wretched man they bring, — ^ 
Who stands within the circle guarded. 
Waiting the fate, may be awarded.— 
The OiTicers are all array 'd 
In side-arms (as the Service bade). 



* A " Fox" is form'd of twisted ropeyarns, done loosely, not so 
strong as cordage. 

I A " Cat" is an instrument of punishment. 



347 

And on the gangway form a line ;-^ 
While arm'd Marines also combinej 
To form a second * ;— preparation 
In order once — each in his station,—^ 
All wait, with awe, the Captain's order ; 
Who at first speaks with some disorder ; 
But oiF! he soon this tremor throws. 
And onward then, most anhjiafed goes. 

" Seamen!" he says, " youVe been with me^ 
^^ Most of you, now some time at Sea: 
" I trust, that you have seen enough, 
*' To know I'm not of cruel stuff;— 
^^ You can full well believe me then, 
*' When I declarcj that fellow-men 
^^ Ever to torture is a smart, 
" That really affects my heart! — 
" But let me feel howe'er I will, 
" There is a sense of duty still ;-^ 
;^' Duty ! so truly paramount, 
*^ Which will not let me take account 
" Of those sensations, which I feel,— 
^^ Which make for Mercy, strong appeal. 
" No ! Sailors !— if I were to pause,— 
" If I relax'd our Naval Laws, 



* It is perhaps impossible,— certainly cannot be pleasing, to con- 
vey a more distinct idea of this scene ; the most distressing, yet im- 
pressive, that can occur on board ship. 



348 

'^ 'Twould be against ^owr happiness; 

^•' Nor could all nations then address 

" Our Seamen of each envied isle, 

" In their (at present) grateful style. 

"Conspicuous! firm! Britannia stands, 

" Conducting forth her gallant Bands ; — 

" Not through ambition, or for gain ; — 

" No ! — but her honour to sustain ; — 

^' 'Tis for her injured, glorious Cause ; 

^' 'Tis to uphold insulted Laws, — 

" Laws now prov'd of real worth, 

" That thus she wars—o'er utmost earth ! — 

" Say, men ! — could you e'er find the heart 

" To shrink from such a noble part ! — 

'* Could you e'er blast your hard-earn'd name ? 

^* Could you annihilate your fame !!! " — 

Enthusiastic murmurs ran. 
And flush'd the cheek of ev'ry man. 

^' No ! — I can see it in each face; — 
^' Ne'er will you suffer such disgrace ! — 
*' That is, the most : — but then, a few 
^' Infernal miscreants ! spoil a Crew. 
*' Here then am I, a Captain sent, 
*' Such serious mischief to prevent : 
" I will severely, but with justice, show, 
^^ That villains never shall unpunish'd go !!! "-«• 



349 

He paus'd; — and, being very near. 
Thus whisper, I two Sailors hear : 
;< My eyes, Ben ! how our Skipper talks ; 

* Dang it ! how smooth the lingo walks ! 

* Aye, aye, Ben ! this is proper jaw, 

* None of your thumping of the craw; 

' No d — d psalm-singing this, my sould !— 
^ Troth ! he is worth his weight in gould *.' 

Again the Chief:-—" I'll now explain, 
" That there is still another stain 
" Besides vile theft, upon this v/retch : 
" It is, — that nothing can him fetch 
" Upon the deck to do his work; 
*' He will, it seems, his duty shirk f , 
" If Boatswain's Mates do not stand o'er him, 
" And a rope's end too lay before him. 
" Now, such a thing I do not like; 
" I hate to have a cause to strike ! 
" No man is e'er ill-treated here, 
" Then all should well-inclin'd appear. 
" My plan is this ! — if once I find 
■ * I cannot bring men to my mind^ 



* ** Sould" is a common way of pronoiinciiig * Soul/ and 
^' Gould," * Gold^* by those not great adepts in th« Orthography 
)f their own language. 

t To ''shirk," is to shrink from; to evade. 



350 

^' Without continual punishment, 

^' It is my firm and just intent 

^' To let Court-martials have their bent ! 

" And tJieir pow'r, you of course all know^ 

" Is greater far than I can show. 

^' With this man, however, I shall try, — 

(And, while he spoke, escap'd a sigh,) 

** What hope of mending he afford, - 

" By discipline enforced on board : — 

^' Strip, sir!" — he agitated cries. - - - - 

'Tis done !^-each Quarter-master ties 

The culprit to the ready grating. 

Now the dread fiat all are waiting !!! — 

When, with a still disorder'd force, 

The Captain urges his discourse : 

And it he to the wretch addresses, 

Who tremblingly the grating presses, 

Imploring mercy ! at each word : 

" Sir, as you oft 'fore now have heard^ 

" And in a moment shall again, 

" That the most despicable stain, 

" Stampt heavy on you at this time, 

" By th' Articles of War's a crime*, 



* By the " Articles of War," (given to every King^s Ship, to be 
publicly read on Sundays and before punishment, and to remain 
constantly hung up in a conspicuous part of the Vessel,) is meant, 
the " Code of Laws for Military Service/* 



351 

^^ A serious one, — foir such is theft!— 
^^ So therefore nothing now is left, 
" But that, with justice, I enforce 
^' The law ; — that you may not act worse : — 
^^ And, while in this most serious scene, 
^' I must inform you what I mean, 
^^ And am determin'd shall be done, — 
^•' That you no longer duty shun, 
^' But keep your watch, and pull and haul, 
*' As you e'er see your Shipmates all : 
^' While each man here will do his best, 
" None, I am sure, can be opprest; 
<' But if 1 let the idle few, 
'^ Precisely as they like it, do ; 
^' A double share of duty hard 
'' Becomes the willms: man's reward : 
' ^* These I will ever well protect : — 
'" Thank me all must, when they reflect.-— 

" As you are lately come to Sea, 
" I'll tell you what a Tar should be : — 
^* Obedient! — honest! — brave! — and cheerful! ; 
■* Never of Death, — but of Crimes, — fearful s 
'^ Ne'er minding luxury and ease ! ; 
. " Sailors can never look for these : 
5^* No difference can P^ace or War 
I *' Produce, in hardships to the Tar, 



352 

'^ Still storms will rage, and the wild shore, 
" Loom on the lee, while surges roar ! — 
" Then, think not war takes from his ease : 
" Again I say, it is not on the Seas I!! 
" To plough the main requires a Race, 
^' Whose sturdy limbs and rough-seam'd face, 
*' And steady eye, proclaim true Men ! 
^' Such as that gallant fellow, Ben !!! — 
^^ But, have you not reward enough, 
" The hardships of the Main to rough ? — 

'' Are there not smooths between the gale, 
" When you glide on with joyous sail ? 

'' Pleasures, you know, don't always fail!-^ 

*' Let Sailors but their lot compare 

" With others ; see how others fare : — 

" They'll find, they suffer least from care. — 

" It is proverbial, — Guileless, free, 

'' Social and brave, are those who plough the Sea. 
" Perhaps the proverb is enough 

" To prove we are of kindly stuff; 

^' Besides — ^behold our flag unfurl'd, 

** Respected I, fear'd i throughout the world* 

" The Universe admires the Tar; 

" Whether in peace, or furious war. — 

" Say !, is not this a glorious meed ! — 

" Is it not worth our while to heed ! — 



353 

^' Ambitioii*s chastest voice inspires, 
" Whenever virtuous glory fires !— 
'' The Being should be e'er addrest, 
'' That he would thus, inflame each breast. 

" And then of Danger !— what of that !— 
'^ Why, from the Monarch to the Cat, 
" This plaguy Danger will intrude!!! — 
^' Wherefore, then ! on what 7n2/st be, brood ?— - 
" A brick, from off a chimney top!, 
" May the unthinking victim stop, 
'^ In life's uncertain, brief career ! 

" In short ! — Altho' at Sea appear, 
*^ Dangers — may not be found on shore, 
*^ Yet, vice versa, they have store !— 
^' Death, should not ever Tars appal, 
" For when they fall, they nobly fall* !!! "— 

Then turning to the ready clerk, 
(A thing e'er done, I may remark,) 

* The Author has heard the substance of the above speech deli- 
vered by more than one excellent Naval Officer. — It may appear 
too long for the occasion ; but remembrance should be had to this 
being the first Cruise, with, partly, a new Ship^company : — and, 
upon all first acquaintances, it is customary for a Captain to deliver 
his sentiments, not only on reading his Commission, but on the first 
occurrence of such an impressive scene as punishment a;ffords.— It 
is allowed by many, that Lord Nelson is much indebted to the ever- 
to-be-remembered communication of ideas, &c. &c. made to those 
serving under him, for the devotion they shew him.— How well 
these accord with circumstances ! ; detailed and comprehensiye ift 
explanation ! — brief and inspiring at the moment of onset I— piQuS^ 
and manly in victory ! 

A A 



354 

" The Articles of War now read.'* 

Once over, hear the Culprit plead !— 

But urgent, great necessity 

Must set aside his ardent plea ; 

Strong sense of Duty, 7nust impel 

Th' unwilling Chief to firmly tell 

The Boatswain's Mates, to punish well Ml 

" He would not do it if he cou'd ; 

^' But then, he will be understood, 

^' That, when the Service e'er requires!!!— 

" Attended shall be, his desires !!!" 

Sternly ! the duty is gone thro' ; — 
Deeply impress'd s«em all the Crew :•— 
The fainting wretch two dozen got. 
Before he left the awful spot. 
No sooner done, — than ev'ry care 
Is taken, to prevent the air 
From fest'ring the sore smarting scratches 
Made by the Cat-o'-nine-tail's lashes*. — 



* Here, we probably excel all nations: — no sooner has that pe- 
nalty been paid, which the injured laws and the very existence of 
the Service, and indeed Society, demands, than the most humane 
and effective assistance is aftbrded. — When we contemplate the 
dreadful and summary modes of punishment resorted to by others, 
we cannot but revert to Home ! with unfeigned transport ! — We 
have death ! ; but we have justice ! and humanity ! — ^Nor should a 
failing now and then, to which all mankind ii liable, militate against 
the general merit. 



355 

When once the Law's stern, just, intent 
Has had its due^ but dreadful vent,— * 
Inflicted once be punishment!, — 
Then mercy and humanity 
May, back'd by soundest policy, 
E'er regulate each gen'rous mind ; 
And thus full oft reclaim mankind !l! 
Once but the Law's just forfeit paid, 
'Twould be vindictive to upbraid : — 
II is a bad transaction past ; 
The vice of which j we hope, is cast 
Far from the chasten'd heart away ; 
Not apt again such price to pay. 
Thro' sentiments like these we rate 
Simply this man " unfortunate ;"— 
While, knov/ing that he thus is deem*d. 
Again he hopes to be esteemed ; 
He is not driven to despair. 
By constant contumely ! — his care 
Must only be with laws t' agree ; 
When unmolested he will be. 

Soon as this most unpleasant scene 
Is over, 'fore the decks between, 
Contain at dinner all our hands, 
Again t' attend our Chief's demands,-— 

A a2 



356 

To the same Spaniard hear him saj,~~ 

" This, Sir, you'll always fiad tlie way 

" We punish men, who do the villain play :— 

'' And now, I think, you fully know 

" That Britons are a noble foe !!! " 

Cats-paws, upon the day's advance, 
More frequently o'er Ocean dance ; 
But soon they altogether cease. 
And blend in one fresh mack'rel * breeze. 

Dinner now o'er, — all sail we sport, 
And steer in for th' intended port. 
Some fishing-boats are soon brought to, 
And told what 'tis we wish to do ; — 
Videlicet, " that we would send 
^' Our prisoners on shore : — to lend 
'^ Their Vessels, therefore, we require." 
Instant they yield to our desire. 
Rejoicing at the kind permission, 
T' assist in giving foes dismission. 
They say, " they'll make it their concern 
" That our Officer shall return." 



* 111 the Mackerel season, that sort of moderate, steady breeze, 
which enables Vessels to catch them best, is so denominated ; there- 
fore every general, but moderate breeze, is terpied a " Mackerel 



I 



357 

He's order'd " to make special haste;" 
Thei/ promise, " time they >Yill not waste." 

The prisoners on board them sent. 
Give, when they part, a heart-felt vent 
To gratitude and admiration: — 
Honour'd is our generous Nation ! — 
For, hark ! — these men, the moment clear. 
Give us, with one accord, the cheer ! 
And then tow'rds home right joyful steer. 
Old Spain would be a charming place, 
Her sons too a most noble race ; 
Had they but thrice-blest Liberty!!! 
In lieu of odious Tyranny. 
When we contrast our happy Isle, 
O ! with what ecstacy we smile! — 

Our Frigate had but two hours past, 
With her main-top-sail to the mast, 
When once again on board we get 
Our Officer, — just 'fore sunset ; 
Loaded with presents, and a letter, 
In which, " acknowledg'd as a debtor,- 
" Is the Governor, to our Chief, 
" For th' unexpected great relief, 
" Afforded to the many friends 
" Of those, whom he so nobly sends 



358 

^' On their parole ; arid who are bound 

" Never to be in warfare found 

" Until exchang'd. — Begs he will take 

" Some trifling presents, for his sake ; 

" And for the honour of great Spain. 

" Who would unsullied this maintain." 

Well said, brave Governor ! — at least. 

Thou hast sent us a tasti/ feast ! — 

In this, more truth than Spanish honour^ 

For many things sit foul upon her !!!— 

Well !— now of lumb'ring prisoners clear^ 
Again for Vigo's port we steer ; 
Oif which, at daylight, we appear; 
And, by the chart, and cautious lead, 
Approach, without the smallest dread. 
The batt'ries, and our rival Ship; 
Which we trust, now, will cut or slip *, 
And hazard the unequal fight ; 
For she must know, of hands we're light. — 



* When Vessels at anchor wish quickly to get under weigh, they 
do not stay to raise ihe anchor; but either cut the cable, or veer it 
all out, which last is called " slipping."— When you wish to recover 
your cable and anchor, a float, called a " Buoy," is fixed to the 
end by a sufficiently strong and long rope, w^hich consequently^ 
marks the spot where your cable lies, and which you bring up by 
haulijig in the buoy rope. 



359 

Besides, so close to her own strand, 
Surely ! she may the battle stand ! 
Then too, she may as yet suppose. 
We are incumber 'd much with foes ;— 
For they cannot as jct have got 
News of our clearing them, I wot ! 

Well !— -our Ship having reach'd well in, 
Nearly a range of shot within ; — 
We, in defiance, fire a gun ; 
And let the bright gleams of the sun 
Shine on our glorious Union Cross, 
Which winds, in playful fashion, toss. — 
The Naval pen'ant, Britain's Whip ! * 
As it is hoisted, takes a dip 
In the salt wave^ — till uncontrolPd 
It floats aloft, in many a fold ! — 
— " - ■■ ' ' - ' I . ■ , ' ■ ■ . .. . ■ . ■■ ^ ^ 

* The Author records the following origin of our Naval Pendant, 
as a *' Sea Legend." — Those who have better opportunities of 
searching back than he has, must satisfy themselves whether it 
is founded on fact, or not. — Before and during the early part of 
the Dutch war, when their admirals Tromp atid Ruyter distinguished 
themselves so much, large Flags and Streamers, the Author believes, 
distinguished Vessels of War.— -By a manoeuvre in politics, the En- 
glish w^ere at length taken by surprise^, — their harbours insulted, and 
the audacious bravado made of hoisting a Broom ! at the Mast-head 
of the Dutch Admiral, to intimate his having "« swept the Seas." 
—The English, however, soon appeared, with, at their Mast-heads, 
a long narrow Streamer, like the Lash of a Coach-whip (the present 
Pendant), intimating a determination to flog them into their har= 
bours again. 



360 

Now we lay to, — and now steer in ; 
Until a cannon's range within. 
We fire a broadside, — then stand out ; 
And with three cheers ! defiance shout. 

Th' Imperial Ship keeps close at home:— 
We've greater chance of fighting Rome !!! 

So, steer again towards the Sea ; 
And as that it might better be 
To get some water, we come to 
In shelter, — harbour's mouth near to ; 
And during night perform our task, 
To fill again the emptied cask : 
Nor do we Spain's permission ask ! * 

Fine pleasant weather, breezes light, 
We make our Vessel snug and tight; — 
Set up the rigging, with each stay ; 
And, wheresoever needing, pay 
With pitch, first caulking ; sheaves, fresh greasc,- 
In short, the present time we seize 
To fit the Ship to buffet Seas f . — 



* Watering in an enemy's port, is not unfrequently done ; — a to- 
lerable proof of the mastery by Sea. 

f The constant working of a Ship at Sea would occasion the rig- 
ging to become slack, was it not carefully prevented by " setting- 
up :" — this is best done in smooth water. — ** To caulk," is to drive 
in between the planks, with a peculiar kind of chissel, oakum (viz. 
rope-yarns pick'd out), which you afterwards " pay ;'' that is, cover 



S6l 

Thus taking it, you see, most eoolly, 
Tho' not unfit for action wholly : 
As at the higher mast-head's stay 
Men to alarm, if foes should weigh. — 
The distance 'tween us, in this case, 
Is such, that 'fore a fight takes place, 
We should be ready foes fo face. 

Whilst watering the Ship at night, 
I sliould have said, as moon shone bright, 
A few were sent to haul the Seine *, — 
A service, in which all are keen : 
Fresh fish is no bad thing, I ween ! 

In our well-found War-ships appear. 
Those various kinds of fishing gear, 
According with a climate ; sent 
I By a Paternal Government, 
Scorbutic humours to prevent. 
I Besides this net, we have the Trawl + : — 
lAnd now I think I've told you all; 



i-with boiling pitch: — which covering is also extended to the whole 
surface of outside planks in parts of the Ship where not painted. — 

IThis must often be attended to, or a vessel would leak. 

A " Sheave/' is a small block wheel, on which ropes traverse ; — a 
mechanical increase of power. 

* The " Seine," is a net, long, and moderately deep, by which 
^sh may be encompassed on a beach, — a smooth one. 

t The *' Trawl," is a bag net, the mouth of which is kept open 
by a beam, &c. When the bottom of the Sea is clear of rocks, 



m 



862 

It had been full as well before. 

When you had Hook and Harpoon lore ; — 

As the old adage says, however, 

*Tis surely " better late than never." 

But now the second Sun's last ray 
Tells us, we should get under weigh. 
We do, and closely keep next day ;— 
Then stretch a long way out at Sea, 
To set our dastard Rival free. — 
** Let them come out," great Nelson I said ; 
" Alongside then they may be laid I — 
•' Confine ! the Ships of Spain and France; 
" To capture them, you have no chance*."— 

Now, as the Chief before intention'd, 
And which, you recollect, I mentioned, 
His wits he does together lay. 

To find out the securest way, 

" ' ' ^ *• ' - 
and not too deep, you can use it ; attached to the Vessel by a Haw- 
ser, which admits it to lay flat on the ground ; to insure which, your 
Ship must have little way through the water. — You thus catch flat 
fish. 

* Although Lord Nelson has carried this principle so gloriously J 
into execution!, and although, by the present system of blockade,! 
your ships suffer somewhat from wear and tear ; yet are there not 
strong reasons against opening the ports of the enemy ? Such as, the 
probability of much mischief from the greater facility given to egress 
and ingress ; the great difficulty of tracing and coming up with 
them ; and the likelihood of insubordination, or indolence, from' 
confining the Crews of your Ships in port, with little or nothing to 
do ; and a certainty too of much disease being introduced by this 
coHtinuance in harbour ! 



363 

His Frigate so well to disguise. 
That foes may think to make her prize. 
The enemy he ne'er can meet, 
And you know, cannot ever beat , 
While we appear, as what we are, 
Id est y " a British Man-of-War;" 
Therefore 'tis fair to alter look. 
And 'guile the poltroon to our hook. 

First then, while water keeps so smooth, 
Witli paint we render her uncouth ; — 
After,~-have hammock-cloths to go. 
So as that we prevent the show 
Of beds and guns ; — while boats and spars, 
In chains, and Quarters, war^ook marrs 5 
A fore and miz'n toprgallant mast 
Are struck, when yards on deck are past,— 
Tarpaulins o'er the head are cast. 
Then we've to steer with lounging sail; 
And seem inclin'd to court the gale, 
A destin'd harbour to attain, 
As if not cruising on the Main. 

Well, now, suppose we've at Sea been 
Full four and five good weeks between ; 
Yet still the Captain will stay out. 
And I confess, we rather pout. 



S64: 

Two famous prizes have been ta'en ; 
And from our agent we could gain 
(Should they not both at once be sold,) 
Yet quite enoi^gh of sterling gold 
To fit us for a crmse on shore, 
Was this, flow tiresome!, Sea-cruise o'er,— 
Thus, you see, when we've got the prize, 
Old Davy's goodness we despise ; 
And, 'stead of thanking, d — n his eyes. — 
But, to be sure, the water's bad ; — 
Then no more fresh grub * to be had ; — 
Water ! — alas !, and, O good lack ! — 
'Tis turn'd almost to very black ! + — 
Thus tainted, old Tars will declare, 
(Altho' I still to doubt it dare, 
Thinking that they, like cunning apes, 
Call things, when out of reach^ sour grapes!) 

* " Grub," as here appfied, means Stock. 

f It must be understood, that only a present supply, can be ob: 
tained by watering, as just now described ; — completing a Ship re- 
quires time and safety. — The duration of water in a sweet state, 
depends much on the place you water at, and the weather : — now 
and then a cask may not have been well cleaned, in which case the 
water will very soon turn: the ground tier of casks also (the lowest) 
cannot always be removed on active service; and consequently 
when broke into, must be tainted : to remove this as much as pos- 
sible, a tin ventilator is allowed every Man-of-War, and which, in 
some degree, effects the desired intent. 



365 

That water, tho' so very bad. 

Is finest ! — none else to be had ! — 

But it 's a good propensity. 

To make the best of things at Sea. 

In order cheerfully to live. 

We must a fib, or two, forgive. 

Besides ihese ills, — we fruitless seek 

A Vessel, week here after week ; 

And so we may for ever sneak ! 

She will not give us any chance ! 

Now ril be bound she 's gone for France. — 

So gritmble on, the grumble Tonnys^ — 
Faith, Officers ! as well as Johnnys : 
Indeed the Captain has a mind. 
To be a little so inclin'd ; — 
Lord ! what a tiresome enemy ; 

Who will not come, and taken be \ 
However, as we cannot make 
The foe to fight, for fighting's sake, 
In truth ! my honest fighting John, 
Still you must grumble !, grumble on. 
Some days go by ! — another 's past. 
In fact as dully as the last ; 
Making the cruise out " just six weeks :" 
Yet still our Frigate keenly seeks 



} 



366 

A cunning, cautious, frighten'd fde ; 
Who, we now think, will never show 
His nose from forth his guarded nest; 
No ! — let us do our very best. 
Our Chief^ howe'er^ will persevere^ 
Duty forbids tow'rds home to steer. 

Nothing, in this last while, we trace. 
But a brave feat of worthy Brace. 

One fine forenoon, the Captain cries, 
" Of Sails I'll have an exercise." 
We reef, and furl, and canvass spreadj 
Just as the Captain's order led : — 
At last, O God !— « A fall ! a fall !" 
Several voices loudly call. 

Tumultuously the fearful word is borne. 
That from the yard-arm, poor Jack Handsail torn! 
By the huge flapping sail, attempts to gain 
The passing Ship, — but strives, alasl in vain ! — 
The moment heard, all instantaneous hie, 
Intent to save, — ^but Be n, to save, or die !!I 
Off fly his clothes ; — and, from the lofty side. 
He leaps at once into the briny tide : 
With eager strokes he cleaves the yielding wave. 
And dares his fate, a Shipmate's life to save !— . 
Sinking, poor Jack casts round a longing eye, 
The wind just catches his despairing sigh !— 



367 

Redoubled ardour fills Ben Brace's heart. 
Exerted is his utmost strength and art. 
At length he reaches the eventful spot. 
Seizes his friend, we think, — ^but, hapless lot! — 
It is not Jack : — Ben but his hat has got. — 
Lo ! he sinks too ! — ah ! both have disappear'd : 
Oh ! stern, relentless fate, 'tis what we fear'd !— 
Our view is hid ; — the swift-row'd boat has reach'd ; — ^ 
Again all hands imploringly beseech'd 
Their God ! to spare the brave — our Frigate*s pride; — 
When, see! — ^the Crew hang o*er the ofFward side : 
They haul them in!— by Heavens ! both are sav'd 11! 
A wild burst 'scapes the Crew, as tho' they rav'd. 

Ben must have div'd, when his poor Shipmate sunk ; 
And, 'fore he caught him, must of Ocean drunk. 

The Boat's Crew now, with stretching sinews, strive 
To reach the Ship, and keep their friends alive ; 
Each patient is by rapid motion roll'd. 
To force the briny tide to quit its hold ; 
Till, with more skill, the Surgeon gives his aid, 
Who has them in a better posture laid ; 
While stimulants, and proper warmth, applied, 
Make the pulse beat, — and now is death defied !!! 

1 need not say, I think, that noble Ben, 
We reckon 'mongst the very first of men J 
Thro' him a loss of life we've not to mourn*— 
But, to our cruising to return. 



368 

Just as a six weeks space is out, 
At day-liglit, — hear!— a sudden shout ! 
" A Ship a-head !— just in our route.'* 
Those who had charge, had all been told, 
" That they must not the same course hold 
" As first, when a strange sail was seen ; 
'^ But seem to act, in doubts between." — 
This is, in order foes may think. 
We're not of force, so thro' fear shrink ; 
For when a Craft is not well arm'd, 
'Tis natural to be alarm'd. — 

The course is alter'd — and we yaw. 
As if we fear'd his pouncing paw. — 
Our Captain, when he makes him out. 
Comes to the wind, and heaves about *; 
And, as in fear, makes awkward rout. — 
We croud all sail, and from him run ; 
But then I'll tell you what is done : - — 
A something is put o'er the side. 
Which just sinks so much in the tide. 
That it our Frigate's speed retards + :— 
And now, O ! ye immortal Bards ! 

* " To come to the wind," or '' haul to it," is to bring the Ship as 
near it as she will sail, with the yards braced sharp up, — diagonally 
about six points of the compass within. — ^To " heave about," is to 
tack, as before explained. 

t When a sail, cask, spar, &c. &c. is put over with this inten- 
tion, it is terci'd a " Drogue," or " Drudge.** 



369 

Great Homer! Virgil! Sliakespear! Milton! 

Ye, who have Human Passions dwelt on, — 

O I could you with your fire but trace 

The wild expression of each face, 

When our Chief swears, " 'tis even she ! 

" Our late chas'd, pent up, enemy;" 

Who, like a shark, yields to the look 

Of the disguis'd, but fatal hook !; — 

Gods ! what a picture you would draw ! 

'Twould our cold blood, in Iceland, thaw ! 

Would, in Spitzbergen, men inspire, — 

Until their late froze cheeks glow'd with a crimson fire!!! 

But as I'm not, faith, such a Poet, 
However well inclin'd to show it, — 
Pity the tamenessof my pen, 
For, to describe the scene, is past my ken. 

Now, at their quarters, are the Crew ; 
No further preparation's due. — 
Even poor Bob ! tho' not recover'd, 
Nobly about his quarters hover'd ; — 
Henry must yet keep down below, 
Being as yet too weak to go 
To where he's quarter'd ; — Jack and B^n, 
In a few hours, became stout men *. 

* It is hoped the Reader remembers that neither Henry, or Bob, 
were said to have died ; the first being carried off the deck speech- 

B B 



370 

Most are conceal'd ; the rest disguised ; 
That they be Merchant's Sailors prized 
By the deluded foe ; who spreads 
All sail, as he no longer dreads.— 
Incautious I, he to wndward makes ; — 
We're glad, he this position takes ; 
Because, "with half an eye, we know^ 
By this means, he can never go 
From us ; as he most surely wou'd, 
When once our class is understood.— 
For if to leeward he would steer, 
T' obstruct —our ready guns appear ; 
And of course, all the art of man, 
Broadside to windwardy never can 
Force the huge ship, — one way is left ; 
But, of advantage he 's bereft — 
The op'ning is — a-head to stretch ;— 
But on this point, we're sure to catch ; — - 
For we can our own Ship impel 
To on a wind sail passing well. 

As fighting now's a hollow thing ; 
Young friends to holes in Capstan bring, 
K proof oi friendship y their chest keys ! ; 
Meaning, that the contents of these 

less, and supposed to be dying; the latter fainted after his excla- 
mation on the Quarter-deck. — ^Jack and Ben had only a severe 
ducking. 



371 

Should him belong, who fate may give 

Fortune, the others to outlive.— 

They all shake hands ! — fly to each station. 

And with true British animation, 

" Long to deserve well of the Nation!!! ;" — 

Save one poor Youth, whom idle dreams 

Had made quite spiritless, it seems!— 

Tho' he had often dreamt before 

Things as terrific, yet no more 

He thought of them — the usual way ; — 

We dream!, and 'tis forgot next day! — 

Except it may, as often chances 

That some occurrence dream enhances j — 

Then is, what else had been forgot, 

Made of great consequence, I wot!— 

'Tis wonderment! that thoughts of light 

(From whence in fact spring those of night) 

Should happen with events to chime ; 

Tho' the result, we knew, in time 

Might reasonably come to pass I 

To wonder then, bespeaks an ass !!! 

We sail— and leave a friend on shore 

So ill, we may not see him more ; 

His image haunts us oft by day, 

And therefore too, in dreams oft m^y-— 



Well ! — we at length, to port return^ 
And find his death we have to mourn : — 
Now some, all laws of reason scorning. 
Cry, " O ! I dreamt it ; I've had warning !!!'' 

Such pow*r has simple dreaming o'er us ! — 
Deriv'd from those, who went before us. 
In ages dark ; when ignorance 
Led reason such a plaugy dance ; — 
Mankind, by superstition chained,. 
All her most monstrous whims maintained j 
And this example has such hold, 
That th' error cannot be controuFd, 
Without much rational reflection 
On proof, — which needs must cause rejection* — 
So it now happened with our youth : — 
A dream, this Cruise, gave birth forsooth I 
To sad presentiment! — ^a dread 
Of being numbered with the dead, 
In the first action might be fought ;— 
Now is the very time, he thought. 
Dejected, wan, and almost faint, 
From Superstition's baneful taint, 
The young unfortunate had near 
Yielded his mind to abject fear ; 
And one great qualify forgot. 
Which forms the Man !— for the quick i^hot 



373 

He would have shrunk from, if he cou'd !— . 

As brave a lad as ever stood, 

Altho' he 'd been!— disgrac'd his nation, 

Friends, Service, and his Reputation, — 

High as it was, from well-earn'd cause; — 

O I, what a truly serious pause ! — 

On these, with mute despair he thinks, — 

Then, tho' each nerve rebellious shrinks, 

Yet work'd up !, rendered desperate ! 

He stands ! — and dares expected fat^!! — 

Well! — ^what d'ye think of this became ?^ 
Why ! — neither sick !, or sore !, or lame !, 
Out of the battle, to his shame, 
This dream-distracted Hero, came!!! 
Howe'er, he had the grace to feel. 
That if a dream again should deal. 
With him in e'er so dread a way, 
That he would not such high cost pay, 
As on this most eventful day. — 

So much of our fierce battle's fate, 
I've ventur'd to anticipate. — 
But lo! — the rival Ship approaches nigh, — 
And ha !— she seems our equal rate to spy ;— 
Fain would she now, the shock of battle shun, 
When, in the instant ! ev'ry deadly gun, 



374 

Sternly from forth our Frigate's tell-tale side, -v 

At once proclaims, '^ here fate decrees you bide;" > 

Nor is her vain attempt much longer tried. — ^ 

In turn delusive Fortune's favour bade. 

That they shall not again, by flight, evade 

The dreadful fight ;--the bitter deadly dose, 

They needs must gulp — for behold ! — we are close !1!-t 

But just before, the furious, deaf 'ning roar 
Of hostile cannon shakes the distant shore ;■— 
Ere yet, these mortal thunders awful roll ; — 
Let but the fearful, hypochondriac soul 
See British Seamen rang'd, all stripped for fight^ 
With brawny arms embar'd,— a nervous sight !— 
And ample waist embound with tight-drawn fold 
Of India's kerchief, spangled o'er with gold*. 

Standing in grim array,— dead silence reigning,-— 
Amidst the Broadside, each his rank maintaining ; 
Fix'd to the deck, in attitudes so firm, 
That, it were not to misapply the term, 
To say, that when thus seen are British Crews, 
^' They look like animated, stern statues :" — 

* In order to have no superfluous clothing, to hinder exertion in 
action, Sailors strip to the trowsers. and shirt,— untying the silk neck- 
handkerchief (which usually has much yellow in it), and binding 
it tightly round the waist, to enable them to keep their wind better ; 
— the shirt sleeves are tucked up to their shoulders, shewing their 
muscular arms, for which Sailors (owang to rowing, and pulling 
and bawling,) are remarkable. 



375 

Save some— whose latent fury, hardly pent, 
By grinding ponder, or tough lead, has vent.* 

But when the word— the dread, tremendous word J 
Bids Seamen fire ! — and instantaneous heard 
Is the loud thund'ring pert/ of British guns. 
Impetuous urg'd by her heroic Sons. — 
Where is that trembling, or that jaundic'd mind, 
(Britain, we know, has of the gloomy kind) 
Which would not here^ its hippish qualms give o'er 
And swear the foe can never reach our shore !!!, — 
Except as Prize ? — But the time 's come ! — that sound 
Bids carnage ! deadly carnage ! stalk around, ^ — 
'^ Coins number Two, my Boys!" — Britons, stand by !— 
^' Remember this. Lads,— fight until you die!— 
" Point well your guns! — noxi^ Heroes !! now let fly 



'1 



Dreadful the battle rag'd !— when lo ! — the tide 
No longer intervenes— she meets our side! — 



* At the tremendous moment, when (if about engaging a First 
Rate) a Crew may receive the fire from sixty pieces of heavy ord- 
nance, close to them, without being permitted to return it, in or- 
der to allay the irritation of nerves, from impatience ! and fury !, 
a piece of lead torn from what is called the apron of a gun, or a 
handful of gunpowder, is ground between the teeth. 



376 



" Lash her, my Boys!" the ardent Captain cries ;— 

^' Huzza! my Britons, now we make her Prize !" — 

Swift on tiie gangway springs our daring Brace! 

Wrestles with fate, — and ruin stares in face ', 

Ruin! — alas! — a rwfw soon was he; — 

For scarcely did the anxious Captain see, 

Our cathead firmly lash'd to hers a-Iee; 

Scarce had our gallant Brace ! past the last turn, 

Than O ! most fatal ! fatal ! cause to mourn, — 

A hissing bullet deeply gores his side, — • 

The deck 's ensanguin'd by the purple tide! — 

Young Pat Mahony, to his Messmate true. 
That instant to afford assistance flew; — - 
And to the Cock^pit, would poor Ben have ta'en ; 
Who, altho' writhing, struggling, faint with pain. 
Yet nobly tells, and signs him to refrain ;— 
Points to the hostile decks, where Boarders rush ; — 
And with, alas! a weak, yet strenuous push, 
Keeps off his friend ; who, finding help in vain, 
Tries, with Hibernian gallantry, to gain 
The Frenchman's deck ; where furious, mortal strife 
Has, e'en already I, stopp'd the stream of life 
In many a youthful and heroic Tar: — 
For foes oppose a most determined war ! — 
Our gallant Captain was himself the first 
To rush on-board, — led on b3' glorious thirst 



377 

Of Country's praise ! — of eminence in arms !— 

Love too ! the Hero's glowing bosom warms.— 

His rival Chieftain, desperately brave, 

Flew to oppose, and Gallia's honour save :— 

This he did well, — ^for his last trembling sigh. 

Breath 'd forth, " O ! Frenchmen, Frenchmen, do not fiy!" — 

Pierc'd with a pike's fierce thrust from our Chief's hand, 

He yields his life blood, — and his high command. !- - - - 

The cheer ! that instant burst, was as the roar 

Of waves mountainous, breaking on the shore ! — 

With mighty force they rush — no calm they own I 

Until all opposition 's overthrown!!! — 

In vain great courage some few foes adorn, — 
In viin a captive life, some bravely scorn,— 
In vain a little desp'rate forlorn band 
Of Chiefs, 'gainst our impetuous Sailors stand ;— 
Who, as wild raging billows, when they reach, 
Forc'd by a storm, the huge mound's fatal breach, 
Pour foaming thro' the rent ; — and spreading, flood 
Those quiet pastures, which so late withstood 
(And, as their owners thought, e'en ever might) 
The Ocean tempest's very utmost height : — 
So our fierce Tars, with force resistless rush'd, 
And, as the torrent, opposition crush 'd, — 
Soon as our Chief a deadly op'ning made ; 
When he his rival, with fierce sternness, h^de 



578 

^^ Learn," (as lie pois'd to strike the fatal blow) 
'' Britons are just!— but then a dreadful foe!!!" 

Now panic-struck, the Frenchmen wildly fly ; — 
Or stretch'd in heaps on deck, kill'd !, dying!, lie. 
Scarce did young Edward this event behold. 
When, with a spirit frantically bold. 
He forces wildly past the warring throng ; — 
Rushes, with hurried steps, the deck along ; — • 
Reaches the foe's late vaunting Ensign-staff, 
And with- a cry !, a shrill hysteric laugh !, 
Tears down the Banner of the vanquished foe, — 
Now rightly doom'd its proper fate to know!!! — 
As the tri-colour'd flag in haste descends, 
The concave shakes! — old Ocean's bosom rends ! 
With cheers, which loudly burst from ev'ry breast,- 
Fury's last vent ! — now are our hearts at rest. — 



Now, doth an awful, silent calm appear ; — 
Now, in each eye, starts forth the manly tear; — 
Now, we survey the dismal scene around;— 
Now, for the first time 'tis, we hear resound 
Pain's frightful gnash! — tb^^^gonizing groan !♦ 
Or the more overcoming, faint, low moan !— 



579 

And as we now behold our hard^tarrHd Prize; 

What harrowing objects strike upon the ejes I— 

Decksj torn bj shot, and slippery with blood !;— 

Bodies disfigur'd, bath'd in gory flood !;— 

Sails tatterM, and in wildest chaos cast!;— 

While, weak from gaping wounds, nods evVj mast !;— 

Yards cut, or sorely splintered, all are seen 

To hang, with half their rigging, scarce between 

The smoke-clad Sky, and Seat; — dismounted guns, 

Shew with what furious rage our angry Sons 

Urge war, — on that proud, impious, treacherous foe, 

Who fain would lay Britannia's honour low: — 

But vainly would they deal the fatal blow. — 

Britons perchance may be by guile seduc'd, 

But nex)tT can they be by force! reduc'd !?! — 

So diff'rent to all this, is our Ship seen^ 
That many might to scepticism lean. 
Who did not they themselves the scene behold, 
But were the fact simply by others told. — 
Our loss of men on board by cannon shot, 
(Of truth no single syllable forgot,) 
Consists of only five! — " three Seamen skill'd, 
" With two Marines, forming the total kiird."— 
All these, as evVy spark of life had flown. 
Were at once into the deep Ocean thrown. 



380 

Another fact, I also must relate,— 

Not one amongst us was ordain'd by fate 

To meet his death upon the hostile plank ; 

For which a guardian Providence we thank : 

No sooner had we a firm footing gain'd. 

Than, like the lightning's swiftness, was obtained 

The end, — the well-accomplish'd end ! in view ; — 

Namely, *' with gleaming swords and pikes to strew 

'^ The hostile decks, with heaps of hostile dead ; 

^' But not a drop of British Mood to shed." 

We have ten wounded men ; — the most in state, 
We trust, not absolutely desperate. — 
With all these men, the mischief had been done 
Either before the boarding had begun. 
Or in the act, — when poor Ben Brace made one. 
Our canvass, rigging, masfs, and yards also, 
That we have been in action, plainly show ;— 
But no great damage does from thence accrue. 
And we shall soon look just as good as new.-— 

All such as had been wounded first, were ta'en 
At once down to the Cockpit ; that their pain 
Might be assuag'd ; — but the remainder, who 
Did our decks at the boarding struggle strew, 
Are now with gentlest dispatch borne down ; 
(In all, before too, final life has flown.) 



381 

Humane and sorrowing is the victor Tar, 
Tho' late he wag'd such an infuriate war. 

In my detail now let me make a pause, 
To praise those heart-reviving noble laws I 
Which bid, that every article on board 
Should be, which can, in any sense, afford 
Aid, in arresting the dread hand of slaughter. — 
Lo! in the Cockpit chamber, under water, 
Surgeons, with skilful and attentive care, 
The means allow'd by Government prepare, 
To heal the lacerated, dang'rous wound. 
And make the suff 'rer once more hale and sound. 

Yet tho', in gratitude, we this admire, 
We tremble at the scene, — it is so dire! — 
The gloomy light around, just faintly shows 
The mangled victims, on the floor, in rows ; 
Whose forms the pale gleams of the sullen lamp 
Do to the eye in greater terrors stamp. 
With naked arms, and a cadav'rous hue. 
The Surgeons stand (their instruments in view) 
Around the spacious amputating chest ; 
While, within reach, in far more horrors drest, 
Looms the huge Tub 1 that portion to receive. 
Which the knife from the sufferers bereave !!! 

But, Reader ! tho' this scene impresses now 
My mind, as of unutterable woe I 



382 

Yet, at the time I witness'd it, 'twas nought, — 
Nobody then the scene so dreadful thought; 
Not e'en the victims !— One right gallant Youth, 
Who, as the Surgeon carves him, coolly, sooth ! 
Keeps singing, " Rule, Britannia, rule the waves; 
" For Briton* never, never will be slaves 1"—^ 

In fact, when Once our spirits are well up, 
We ne'er can taste pain's agonizing cup ; 
We feel a shock !, and instantly we fall ! — 
But do not know the serious mischief all ; 
Till, on discov'ring we can't move a peg, 
We look ! — and find we've only lost — a leg!!!-^ 

1 what a contrast does the savage foe 
In blessed, Christian-like attention show 
Tow'rds finding medicine and implement ! 
But it is their remorseless government;— 
Denied the means, by worse than brutal men. 
Far fitter for the bloody tiger's den, 
To govern wildest beasts ! — than e'er to reign 
O'er human beings in a rich domain ; — 
Of such extent too !— whose dire passions prize 
War, only as a glutting sacrifice 
Of myriads ! to Ambition's cruel thirst ; 
Which, when thus evil, is the very worst,— 
The most insatiable, — the most accurst ! — 
Of widest range, — the most cnvenom'd sting. 
The worst of men can on his species bring !-— 



await.— > 

kind fate J 



383 

Such fiends send victims forth, without that aid^ 
Which Mercy, Justice, — nay, e'en Manhood bade, 
Should e'er be ready to improve that state. 
Which must in war— how oft! — the Tar 
Nor stops the mischief here : — should unki 
Doom but our capture ; — then we also feel, 
What ills these '' scourges of our race" can deal. 
For the unprincipled, — ^the plund'ring bands, 
From our now captive, helpless Surgeon's hands, 
Tear the essential instruments, altho' 
He by his skill might yet prevent the blow 
Of death, to many, — heal the ghastly seams 
With which each body hideously teems; — 
Had they but, in kind mercy, left him means !!!* 

* The Author wishes again to assure the Reader, that the above 
observations are founded on facts. — Instances of men singing a loyal 
song under amputation, cheering upon losing a limb, and even 
wishing it, rammed into a gun to fire back upon the enemy, must 
be known to every Naval Officer ; — ^as must the declaration, " that, 
in the heat of action, one may lose a limb, without instantly being 

aware of it, or feeling at the moment much pain." As to the 

inhuman deficiency of instruments (and deed surgical assistance 
.of any kind) amongst the French at the beginning of the war, and 
the diabolical seizure of them from the hands of our Surgeons, 
even while in the act of amputating; — the instance of the Alexander, 
of 74 guns, commanded by the present Admiral Bligh, captured by 
a French squadron, may be selected from among others, which 
have come within the Author's knowledge. Nor do the actions 
Buonaparte has either dictated or permitted, exonerate the imperial 
despotism from the general charge of cruelty, (though there may be 
some difference in the manner of evincing it,) more than the former Re- 
publican Anarchy ;^witnesstheinhuman treatment of Captain Wright 



384 

Hail, great Britannia, virtuously great!— 
O ! may Historians ne'er have to relate 
Your fall, from that exalted, mighty throne^ 
Th' impartial world now tells you, " is your own."— 

Urge war ! you must, when envious foes provoke ; 
But ever humanize the dreadful stroke. 
By Justice!, Mercy!, and Benignity ! 
When unalloy'd enjoy your Victory!!!. 

But to return ! — we have now to secure 
Our numerous prisoners, and make all sure 
On-board each Ship ; — to clear the decks of slaughter^ 
And wash them afterwards, throughout, with water. 

Tiie first attain'd, and the two Frigates cast 
Clear of each other once, we then our fast 
Break, — and the first time !— -For it 's surely meet 
That our exhausted Crew, at length should eat. 
I think indeed, v/ith this idea youll chime, 
When I assure you, it is now '' noon-tune." 

of the Navy, (confining it merely to his imprisonment) !— Of the de- 
fenders of India and Merchant-ships, stabbed in cool blood after strik- 
ing their colours ! — Of the oppression of many unoffending indivi- 
duals of our Counlrymen, Stc. &c. &c. — My God 1, because the 
subjects of a lawful Sovereign do their duty to Him, and their Coun- 
try, that they should be pursued with such unrelenting ferocity, 
is dreadful !, is absolutely rerolting to human nature ! — The gal- 
lantry of young Edward is no idle story. — Boys have actually and 
cften this war performed wonders. 



END OF CANTO VII. 



CANTO VIII. 



& C 



%tsnmmu 



Anecdote of French Brutality — Shape Course homeward — An ae- 
pount of the Skin being punctured by Sailors — Bury a regretted 
Seaman, who died of his Wounds — A Song, written by an Officer, 
on his Death—Get Soundings — Make the Land — Great Joy — 
Come to an Anchor — Captain goes to the Admiral — Imagination 
apostrophized — Postman comes off— Various Letters received — 
Their Effects attempted to be described — Captain returns with a 
Pilot — Weigh, and go into Harbour — Strip, and go into Dock — 
News arrives of the great Victory off Trafalgar, and Death of 
Lord Nelson— The Effect—Sandy Mayne brings off a Friend to 
Dinner, who sings a Song upon it— The Effect— Conclusion. 



^^ 



IHE 

CRUISE. 



CANTO YIII. 

VV ELL l—we, in haste, our worn-out strength recruit; 
And then use proper means to reap the fruit 
Of well-earn'd victory. — Some hands were sent 
To clear away aloft ; whilst others went 
To heave o'erboard all the remaining few 
Dead bodies of our late foe's nura'rous crew. 
Which may have 'scap'd our notice in the flurry^ 
Or in the needed ration's eager hurry. 

The loss of lives on board our Prize is great, 
As from its Role * we make an estimate 
Of " Forty kill'd upon the deck outright ;'* 
(Chiefly these fell in single-handed fight ;) 



* What by us is termed the " Ship's Book,"— ^' Muster Book," 
answers to the French " Bole d' Equipage." — By comparing the last 
muster with the present, of course, the intervening loss can be ascer- 
tained, 

cc 2 



388 

Wounded were, in proportion, wondrous few> 
/As " twenty" only, thus their decks bestrew. 
And here I must a glaring instance state, 
(Amongst indeed the many) which must rate 
Our Gallic enemy (this war at least), 
Far, far ! below the level of the beast. 

There was a time, we know, when warring Gaul 
Would yet attend unto some human call ; 
When a chivalrous spirit nobly bade 
Feelings arise. Detraction ne^er can fade !!! 
Which e'er must shine in HistVy*s brightest page, 
Ever admir'd by an enlighten'd age ! — 
(At least amongst those nations who maintain 
Themselves without a foul, an impious stain ;) 
Such as soft Pity's godlike, mild controul, 
Which spreads its balmy influence o'er the soul; 
Which does from real Heroes emanate, 
The instant that they know the battle's fate. 
These!, when the rage of conflict has expir'd, 
No longer are heart-steel'd ! — by hatred fir'd ! — 
Then 'tis Compassion, gen'rous sorrow steals ; 
And as a Christian! the fierce warrior feelst 
Turns from the carnage with a deep-drawn sigh, 
While tears of manliness o'^er-brim his eye ! — 
A dog will howl !, — the lordly bull will groan ?, 
When they perceive the mangled fragraents strewn 



389 

Of their own species. — Frenchmen! — French alone! 

Will not a savage brute's emotion own !!! 

Some of them had on board the Prize been left. 

Of arms, but not of liberty, bereft ; — 

And as our gang of Sailors went the round, 

Two brutal Gallic soldiers (shock'd) they found 

Smoking at ease, reclining on a Friend! — 

(Or Comrade, say) who did the deck extend. 

By death disfigur'd in most hideous way ! — j 

Yet these curs'd, fiend-like wretches, " toujour s gai^^ /• 

(^^ En mode de France ! ") were, unmov'd, heard to say, — ^ 

When honest-hearted, manly, British Jack ! 

Swore " he'd a d — d good mind to beat 'em black ; 

" And head 'em for a swim, in some old leager, 

^' 'Caise they were worse by chalks, than any Negre. 

" Why, d — n ye, don't you heave the body over ? 

" Why, smite mylimbs!— you thieves,why it's a brother!!!" 

On this harangue, with aspects of cold stone 1 

Pipes, for the instant merely, let alone; 

Not to say fiU'd with shame, " In faith that 's true ;" 

But " Bah ! rrHenfou gargons c^est rien a nous,^^ 

Those who, at Acre's bloody siege, Would heap 

Their comrades' carcases, that they might reap 

A kind of shelter from the ploughing shot ; 

And this, till they thro* putrefaction rot ! — 



390 

Such men, 'tis credible, would not refuse 
A brother soldier, as I've said., to use*. 

Now clear'd aloft, our Sailors quickly hie, 
(That Carpenters may, with due safety, try 
At stopping ev'ry shot-hole, may be seen,) 
To get each Frigate on a right carreen. — 
This is well done 'fore night ; — all is made tiglit, 
And nought appears now of the late dire fight, 
But low small sails on board our cut-up Prize,*- 
For danger, tho' not feared, we don't despise. 
So, having got the wreck of top-masts clear, 
Under the wounded lower masts we steer ; 
Which are secur'd by means of pond'rous fishes f, 
And tho' not fully equal to our wishes, 
Yet, the emergency of things according, 
As well as possible our pains rewarding. 
Now I'll inform you what at once must hinder 
Thoughts that our masts were lost by storm ; as cinder, 



* A " Leager," is a cask so called.—'^ Exceeding by Chalks," 
is derived from a game among Sailors, of trying who can reach the 
farthest to chalk a plank, and recover hmiself. — " Negre," is the Sea- 
proaunciation of Negro. — This anecuote is founded on a circum- 
stance which occurred on board the Hoche, of 80 guns, captured 
off Ireland by Sir John Warren. 

t When Masts are sprung, (cracked,) or cut, by shot in action, 
Spars, carried for the purpose ./i all Men-of-War, are firmly woolded 
(lashed), and otherwise secured to them, to strengthen: — ssill, how- 
ever, you may not, as in present instance, be enabled to carry lofty 
sail. 



391 

Dark cinder colour, in funereal pride. 

Usurps throughout the aspect of that side 

At which our flashing guns, we rapid plied. 

For, as she fell aboard our Vessel close. 

We gave her, touching.^ one right ^exy dose Ij 

And then no longer at our cannon tarried, 

But (as you know) by furious boarding carried*— 

As to our own, so late engag'd, tight Ship; 

During the while we're on our homeward trip, 

We shift torn sails, refresh around with paint ; 

So that a man must be a very saint. 

To find out that our Frigate e'er had been 

In such a truly wild, destructive scene. 

As late she was ; — a thing by no means new 

In Naval Annals : — ^true, on my word, most true * ! 

I said, we homeward steer 'd : — ecstatic sound ! 
Now, how our hollow, quick-pac'd decks resound 
With joyful steps ; — while knowing rubs and winks 
Shew 'tis on blithest pleasure each one thinks. 

* Amongst many instances which might be adduced to prove the 
possibility of this circumstance, the Author brings forward only that 
of the Mars, of 74 guns, Captain Hood; who brought the Hercule 
French ship, of equal force, to such close action, as to touch her 
sides with the muzzles of his guns : — and such was the superiority of 
his fire, that the enemy were soon driven from the great guns ; and 
their Ship, with the side on which she was engaged burnt to a cinder 
by the flash of her opponent's guns, and otherwise dreadfully dis- 
abled, towed into Plymouth by the Mars ; which ship actually ap- 
peared not to have been in actios. 



392 

Enrich'd we know we are with pelf and glory : — 
My timbers ! 'tis a right-down noble story !!! — 

Our Captain now plans his Official Letter ; 
With one, I'll not affirm, he likes still better !, 
His feelings are in such sweet unison : 
But let me say just, that the latter one 
Is to an afore-mention'd lovely Lass ! 
Whom no one other can, in charms, surpass, 
But this of course. — O ! fashionable Fair ! 
Do not at our quaint. Tar-like lingo stare. 
A Lass ! — it is the rough-spun Seaman's way, — 
His uncouth tongue will thus his love betray : 
But / said " Lass," — mind ! not our gallant Captain !— 
I'd lay a wager that his words were rapt in 
That mellifluous, sweetly soothing flow, 
Which those far gone in love can ne'or forego 

Perchance it was, " Delightful ! — keav'nly Maid ! 
" Lovely in make! — in mind, without a shade ! " 
In mind !— avast ! * does fashionable love, 
Enquire much after a good store above ? — 
Well!— faith, I do not know; — all to be said 
Is this, howe'er, — that our Sea Captain paid 
A real adoration, at the shrine ; 
So far !, at all events, he did refine. 

* " Avast !" is the Sea-term '' to stop,"—" to hold.'* 



393 

Let it be how it will, — he writes his letters, 
One brief and manly, to, in rank, his Betters ; 
While t'other treats of Love, and happy fetters!!! — 

Others too write ; — and have with joy to tell 
A Wife! or Parent !, Sweet-heart !, Friend !, that well 
They had in %ht behoy'd ;— had too escap'd 
From ev'ry harm ; tho' bullets almost scrap*d ! — 

Jack cuts an active shuffle, swears a spell 
He will soon have on shore with Poll or Nell, 
Over a flowing bowl of warming flip * ; 
And then he'll tell how he made Crapaud skip ! ; 
Aye !, and what gold galore +, he hopes to share : , 
" Oh 1, 1 knows, Jack, it must be with the Fair;" — 
Aye ! with the fair or yellow, brown or black. 
My hearty lass, says he, with a loud smack, 
None come amiss to Jack, that wear a cap!!! — 
In honest truth, good Master John, when mellow, 
Thou'rt known to be a plaguy, roguish fellow. 

Thus Sailor-like, they passing soon forget 
Their troubles and their woe ; tho' scarcely yet 
A day ! a single, fleeting day ! has past. 
Since some respected Shipmate breath 'd his last : 
Ever the case at Sea !— to-day we sorrow ! — 
And banish all our griefs, before to-morrow !!! — 

* " Flip/' is commonly composed of Ale, Spirits, Sugar, and 
Spice, boiled up, and drunk hot ; but it is best with the addition 
I of Eggs. f " Galore," — plenty. 



394 

Soon are the Crew, however, oyerta'eri 
With the most bitter pangs of woe, again. — 

Scarce is a third Sun verging to its close 
Since the fierce contest with their furious foes ; 
When the dejected Surgeon, sad of heart, 
Told the Chief, " that his very utmost art, 
^' Th' attention he had never ceas'd to pay, 
'' Yet could not turn death's fatal dart away 
" From poor devoted Brace !" — No sooner known, 
Than the Chief starts ! and does much sorrow own ; 
As nature's proof, we hear a breathing sigh. 
Whilst he doth quickly to the poor Tar hie. 

All joy had ceas'd ; the sadly mournful Crew 
Around their dying Shipmate's hammock drew. 
No smiling now ; no jibe ; all, all !, are flown I — 
No sound intrudes, save Ben's departing moan ; — 
Save the low murm'ring of the washing tide, 
As it recedes from the quick cleaving side ; — 
Save the, at times, monotonous exclaim 
Of the dull con, which doth direction name;— 
Or now th' approaching, hurried, pacing feet 
Of the sad Chief,^ — who seeks pale ruin's seat. — 

Arriv'd !— he grasps the Sailor's clay-coid hand, 
And soothingly intreats his last command. — 
Poor grateful Ben ! opes slow, a heavy eye, — 
And, as it moistens, steals the swelling sigh ! 




395 

At length he moans !— '* Captain I send this to Ann ;— 
" Tell her,— her Husband acted like a Man !— 
" Tell her,-— he lov'd his own,«— his darling Wife, 
^' While there remained a single spark of life!" — 

Then, with emphatic energy addressing 
His well-lov'd, deep-mov'd Chief, — " O ! take a blessing, 
^* A Seaman's blessing, with you ! — Ann !''— he sighs ; — 
" My child! — my Ann !" — and without struggle dies !!!— 



A hectic flush, from e'en the soul !, betrays 
Our Captain's heart-felt grief, — as he surveys 
The form, now sunk in death, of such a man, 
As to be equaird scarcely ever can. — 
At length, — he bares Ben's manly, yet warm breast, 
To take from thence his earnest, last request ! — 
Affection's pledge ! — poor widow'd Anna's hair, 
Enshrin'd within a golden locket rare ; — 
When, in the deeply punctur'd skin, appears 
What rids the Sailors of religious fears : — 
It is our blessed Saviour !, crucified ; — 
Of all, who own a Christian creed, the pride !— . 
And this is meant, that should a dreadful fate 
Throw him upon a foreign Christian state, 
A lifeless corse !— that then the blessed sign 
May ev'ry sect, thro' reverence, combine 



396 

In one intent)— give one resolve a birthj— 
'' The Christian's body to inhume in earth." — 

This, on the right breast stampt, arrests the eye ; 
Another object meets its glance hard by. 
Mark'd in rude semblance, on the rising left. 
Is she, now of a Husband fond bereft*; — 
Poor Ann ! — the lov'd, and the adoring Wife !— 
Well will it be for her, if mental strife 
Does not affect her senses, or her life.-— 
But there's a Pleader at her breast, must tell 
What duty 'tis a Mother should impel : 
That all the woes by fate's decree e'er sent, 
Should ne'er divert her from this great intent, — 
" Never to be by ills of life beguil'd, 
" From ev'ry effort to protect her Child." 

Now is the token ta'en from Bracers heart, 
While in the Captain's eye the full tears start.— 
Religiously his gen'rous mind is bent, 
To try whate'er may possibly prevent 



* It is a common practice amongst Seamen of Christian countries, 
to have the skin punctured by a needle, and rubbed with gun-pow- 
der, Indian ink, &c. which thus becomes indelible. — In addition to 
the subjects here described, the Author has frequently seen Masonic 
and whimsical devices; — sometimes the whole body and limbs mark- 
ed with Suns, Moons, Stars, &c. &c. — as the ancient inhabitants of 

our Island. For a very beautiful description of a scene somewhat 

similar, vide the ballad of " Tom Halyard," by Dr. Walcot. 



I 



397 

Distress befalling her, whom dying Brace 
Seem'd fain to in his good protection place. 

Slowly he moves away, his face o'erspread 
With grief, to think the gallant Seaman 's dead : 
While oft, when pond'ring on the dismal stroke, 
A sad expression from his bosom broke. 

But who can paint young Henry's gush of woe, 
When the event they let him fully know ? — 
That man, who once had risk*d his life to save him. 
Sunk into the grave ! ; — who so oft too gave bim 
Proofs of an open-hearted Tar's affection : 
Oh! 'tis to him the bitterest reflection. — 
Well for the feeling Youth it is, indeed, 
That he has some time ceas'd from wounds to bleed ; 
That he is happily so far recover'd. 
As, when an anguish thus around him hover'd, 
He does not fever, or so weaken'd sink, 
As to be on this world's extremest brink.— 
Others,— all ! , all !, deeply lamented too ;— 
For Sorrow's sombre pencil forthwith threw 
A cloudy tint o'er the late joyous Crew. 

Soon is the corpse laid in the hammock's shroud, 
While melancholy groups around it croud ; 
And mournful bear it to the Sailors' Bier, — 
The Midship Grating !,, wet e'en with a tear ! 

Then o'er the body, sadly slow is spread 
The Union Cross, — a pall now to the dead :— 



398 

Here is it wak'd 1— tho' simple is the way, 
^' No choirists chaunt !, no priests unfeeling pray!" 

A simple lanthorn shews where worth is laid : 
All cry, alas ! — Th' imperious Pow'r that bade, 
Was the full heart,— was unaffected woe, 
Which scorns the mockery of pageant show ! — 
Here rest awhile ! — here, yoid of guile, receive 
The manly homage, which our hearts relieye. — 

Here, noble Seaman, be in spirit blest : — 
List ! — in what glowing terms thy name 's addrest. — 



Not long is rite of sepulture delay'd, 
Not long the dismal grating is array 'd 
In such a melancholy garb of woe ; 
Th' inevitable stroke of death, we know. 
Has laid its destin'd gallant victim low.— 
'Tis better then, the mournful scene to close ; 
Nor longer sorrow so acute impose. 
At the approaching midnight hour is meant, 
The tune when all hands are upon deck sent. 
Watch of relief, as well as that relieved, 
That into Ocean's bosom shall be heav'd 
I^What now remains, of the poor Tar we mourn, 
Whom fate inscrutable has from us torn !!!■=- 



399 



Now then 1 — the hour is come, when the stiil Deep 
Claims the brave Seaman, lock'd in Death's cold sleep !— 
The hollow toUings of the great Ship-bell, 
That the sad rite begins, impressive tell : — 
Uncover'd !, pale !, behold the Captain stand. 
His features stampt o'er all the gallant band. — 
Quickly to leeward is the gangway cleared ; 
Borne on the grating now the corpse appeared. 

Near the rob'd Chaplain is the lanthorn heldy 
So that the whole his countenance beheld. 

'Twas a most solemn meekness that o'erspread 

An aspect, from whence colour quite had fled ! 

No time, no change, while life remains, will let 

My mem'ry his expressive mien forget !— 

His gesture, his e'en more than mortal look ! 

As he pronounc'd the Form, from our most sacred Book !il 
No sound is heard !— save !, till the sudden dash 

Strikes on the nerves, as the swift lightning's flash. — 
Each eager eye straias thro' the water's gloom, 

And fain would penetrate deep Ocean's tomb !!! 



400 

How solemn is the midnight burial scene ! 
When the thin vap'ry clouds float slowly 'tween 
The silver Moon, and deepen Ocean's green ! — 



We feel reliev'd ! — our Shipmate 's gone for good, 

Sunk in the abyss of unfathom'd flood. — 

Yet tho' he's buried, will he still be found 

Alive!, till death our fated knell shall soundj, 

In ev'ry heart, throughout the Frigate's Crew, 

As in the hearts of all, who the brave Seaman knew. 

Nay! our sincere esteem for noble Brace, 
Perchance^ some future youthful Tar may trace. 
An Officer of ours who did belong 
In part to Poets, wrote a sort of Song. — 
Some may denounce the small poetic merit, 
But none, I'm confident, the Author's spirit. 
'Tis penn'd in order to commemorate 
A truly gallant Sailor's noble fate. — 
O ! chastest of desires ! — indeed sublime ! 
To wish t' engraft illustrious deeds on time.— 
For, from the record, shall th' admiring Son 
With ardour burn, his Parent's race to run !!l 

Whene'er the jovial, the f^nce-relish'd night 
Of Saturday comes round, their late fierce ^ght 



401 

Is canvass'd o'er, again, and yet again ! — 

The brimming bowl is by the Songsman ta'en, 

And 'fore he sips, he toasts, " Here's our Ben Bhace!;" 

*' And may we. Lads !, run his right glorious race !" 

This drunk, — th' exulting ^' Three times three" loud ring?, 
And then with robust pow'r the Songsman sings.*— 

'Mongst a Frigate's gallant Band, 
Was Ben Brace, a youthful Tar; 

See him at his quarters stand, 
Eager now to urge the war.*— 

Ben was of a manly figure, — 
Dauntless heart, yet form'd for love ; 

Firm in friendship, constant ever, — 
Mild, as e'er the Turtle-dove, 

Yet in battle, ardent, daring. 

Furious as the springing pard| 
Nought his innate courage scaring, — 

Fearless, seeking his reward : — 



* When a particularly popular toast is giren on-board Ship, 
the whole company stand up, drink a bumper, and give three 
cheers ; — then another glass, and cheers repeated ; — and then a 
third bumper, with remaining three cheers; — making nine cheers, 
or the '' Three times three." 

D D 



402 

'Tis his Captain's smile gives pleasure ; — 
'Tis to have his Country^s praise; — 

But, (and not his poorest treasure,) 
What does high his spirits raise,— » 

Is the thought of gentle Anna, 
Throbbing, shedding tears of joy ; 

Drops more sweet, than welcome manna ; 
Bliss, without the least alloy ! 

" O! Ben, have you 'scap'd the slaughter !, 
" Am I, in my Husband's arms?" 

Then she shews their little daughter, 
While to each his bosom warms ! 

This, the image which steals o'er him,— 
'Midst the horrors of the fight ; — 

Where clotted blood, and brains before him, 
Harrow up the aching sight !— 

Close alongside falls the fierce foe ! — ^ 
Swift to lash, flies daring Brace j— 

Scarcely done, — when ha ! his blood flows,'— 
Death's pale hue spreads o'er his face. — 



403 

For the foe pours in a broadside,— 
Hiss ! a whizziflg bullet flies, — 

Strikes poor Ben, — exhausts his life's tide,- 
O ! my Ann, he moans, and dies ! 

Yet, what cause for grief, and sorrow ? 

Neither, will our spirits mend ;— 
Who'd not gladly of fate borrow, 

Leave to have Ben's glorious end ? — 



But come, my Friends !, it will not do to dwell 
Too much upon so lov'd a fellow's knell. — 

Calm is the night, — and soothing is the Sea, 
While the bright Moon sets beauteous o'er the lee. 
Our spirits imperceptibly return 
To usual bent, — we cease to vainly mourn ; — 
" We but remember,"— breeze gets fresh and fair; 
We tow, and 'tend our Prize with pleasing care.— 

Another day breaks forth ; and 'fore its close, 
Our deep-sea-lead, a Quarter-master throws 
Into the Ocean, from the foremost chains ; — 
(Men on the guns to clear it too take pains ; — 
Our Master on the Tafrel* post maintains ; — 

* " Tafrell, or Tafrel-rail," a kind of railing over the stern. 

D D ^ 



40* 

The Ship brought to *;)— we all intently look, 

For lo!, the line the lead no longer took, — 

Of course the lead then must have struck the bottom. — 

All cry out,—" Soundings, Sir ! — weVe sure we've got 'em." 

Now, in the " Snatch-block t," is the lengthy line 
Plac'd by some hands ; — while others nimbly 'twine 
The same, with care, around the whirring reel ; — 
A sight (not long dday'd) we peeping steal 
At the " erm'd" J bottom of the sounding lead, — 
Which is with sand and sea-shells amply fed! — 
For at one end, it being hollow'd out, 
'Tis filUd with tallow ; — ^so is found the route, — 
As the soft substance of the grease receives 
Whatever print, the Ocean's bottom leaves. — 
Therefore when soundings, thus beneath appear, 
We know correctly how our course to steer. — 
The present arming clearly proves we are, 
From Scilly 's § dang'rous rocks not very far. 
But still we let the making them alone, — 
No splendid Moon would guide us, — no Sun shone, — 

* If a Ship has much way through the water, she must be brought 
to, before you attempt to sound. 

f A '* Snatch-block,'' is open at one side, so as to receive the 
bight (bend) of a rope ; whereas others oblige you to reeve (pass) 
the end through. 

+ "Erm'd,"or"ArmM." 

§ " Scilly Islands/' at the entrance of the English Channel, cn- 
\ ironed with innumerable, and most dangerous rocks. 



405 

Not even once, throughout the foU'wing day;— 
'Midst an impervious haze, we held our way. 
To rightly steer, we were not, tho', perplext 
In spite of this ; — yet if thro' night the next 
It had continued, 'twould have sorely vext. 

But soon as e'er the second morning broke, 
We saw the Sun would clear of vapour soak, 
Or rather dry up, by its vivid rays, 
This, had it tasted, tantalizing haze.— 
For by our present reckoning we are 
From Plymouth, destin'd port, not Very/ar. 
At length the regions of blue Ether clears. 
And — why this haste, my pen ?-^the land appears !!! 

The cheering sound throughout the Vessel flew j-^ 
And Fancy's magic pencil nimbly drew 
Some pleasing picture, on each sanguine mind. 
In tints, to suit the boist'rous, grave, refin'd.— - 
Joy gladden'd all around,— the nod and smile. 
Our tedious moments of approach beguile. — 
At length in groups, and pairs, the restless Crew 
Some utt'rance find, and talk it o'er anew. 
Th' expected bliss is near ; and each runs o'er 
The various pleasures^ he expects on shore :— 
He who has tasted Hymen's chastest joys, 
And finds connubial fondness never cloys,— 



406 

Anticipates tli' ecstatic, soften'd bliss 
Of Virtue's folding arms, and balmy kiss. — 
The little Chemb smiling at her breast. 
Alternately, is with her Husband prest ; — 
And as the glow of rapt 'rous transport glides, 
Tears, in her Henry's bosom, Mary hides !— 
Delightful scene! — to libertines unknown ; — 
Alas!, with them, the faint and sickly moan. 
The pallid hues of misery and pain, 
Strike on the sight, and agonize the brain. 
'Tis the deluded Girl!, once chaste and fair, 
Once tasting comfort, now keen pinching care! — 
What can be worse than this I — nipp'd in the biid 
The sweetest flowret of the garden stood, 
Wither'd, and weak, and shiv'ring in the blast ; — 
In death, repenting errors of the past!!! — 

This is thy recompence, vile youth! — with thee, 
Let gnawing conscience e'er an inmate be ! — 
Of all our punishments, 'tis sure the worst. 
Most heart-corroding, far, far most accurst ! ! 1 — 

But hold, my pen ! — Amongst our gallant Band, 
None could his Shipmate with '^ seduction !" brands- 
No gloomy looks!, no startings of the brain!, 
No half-check'd groans! Call ills in Vice's train) 
Tinctur'd each open feature of the Tar,-— 
Seara'd with the' traits of honourable war, 



407 

And brighten'd up by smiles of cheerful glee. 
Far, far then be it, honest Jack !, from me, 
To tax thy well-known worth, to blast thy fame, 
And tarnish o'er thy hard-earn'd glorious name I 

'Tis but the mirror, polish'd to reflect 
More charms on those, in Honour's garment deck'd.- 
See ! in the faithful glass, the contrast forms. 
Virtue in radiance bright, — Vice clad in storms. 

Too just a simile !; — the Human Race 
Will have its thoughts stampt on the index face, 
Some time or other. — Villains often smile, — 
But, in unguarded momentSy banish guile! — 
The human aspect, therefore, strikes the sight, 
In tempests louring, or in sunshine dight. 
Radiance ! the Virtue, — Vice the shades of night^ 

But come, ray Muse!, rehearse why now resounds 
The hoarse-tongu'd Boatswain, who e'en Ocean 'stpunds ? 
"W by is he echoed by those stentor bawls ? 
Why, in rude harmony, now pipe the calls ? 
'* Prepare to anchor," — soul-enliv'ning sound ! — 
Each Tar responsive, gives a willing bound. — 
Some fly al-oft, prepar'd the sail to hand ; 
While see below, a half-stripp'd, sturdy band, 

1 -■ " "■ ' ^ ■ ■' . . •■■■■■■■■■; ^ ■■ »Hj 

. * " Deliberate Seduction," the Author firmly believes he may say 
without fear of -ccntradictioD, stajids too isolated, to be reckoued^a 
part of tlie Si'.ilor's catalogue of pleasure^'. 



:ht, . 

light* ! J 



408 

With nervous arms, employing all their might 
To force on deck, the Cable's pondrous bight ;— 
Others again, and those a chosen few, 
The pointed Cable from the Hawse-hole drew ; 
Whose end is then, thro* fair Hope's emblem past, 
When this great thread of fate ! is well made fast.* 

The anxious Master, ever and anon. 
Dictates the instantly repeated con ; — 
And now the Leadsman, with harmonious song, 
Shews when the course is right, and when 'tis wrong. 

See now the smoking chimneys ! aye, 'tis there 
Dwells my Heart's Idol!, dwells my Emma fair!— 

O Love!, O potent Love !,— thy pow'r divine 
Bids, 'midst a thousand charms, a Chimney ! shine. 

'Midst the luxuriant foliage of the wood, 
While clad in varying tints, the mountains stood; 
While, on the shining surface of the Deep, 
The plying Vessels, gilt in sun-beams, sweep ; — 



* Cables are always unbent, on leaving the land for any time.— r 
When cruizing, however, only one is, — the *' sheet,'^ — which is again 
bent, on approaching port. — ^The end of a cable is pointed in a pe- 
culiar manner, to prevent fagging out ; this is pushed out of the 
hawse-holes (made in the bows for the purpose), and then fastened 
to the ring of the anchor : — a *' range of cable," that is, a length 
equal to the depth of water you come to in, is always got out of 
the cable tiers (on the hoUop deck) to the deck level with the hawse- 
holes, before you let go the anchor. 



409 

While Earth, Sea, Heavens, all their charms combine *,^ 

Yet does the Chimney, all their charms outshine : 

O ! 'tis the Beacon that dispels all care ; — 

'Tis there dwells Emma, dwells my Emma fair!!! — 

But, tho' the noblest passion ! fills my soul !, 
Will I not yield to mighty Love's controul. 
So far, as such fond vows to rashly plight. 
As may unfit mc for the ardent fight.— 
Hymen! thy blandishment I must withstand, 
Till Rank and Fortune grace my willing hand!!!— • 

Silence now reigns around ! — the word is past, — 
^^ Each in his station," till the Ship 's made fast. 

The word once spoke!, the busy hum is o'er; 
The laugh, the joke, and call, are heard no more. 
In mute attention. Chiefs and Seamen stand, 
Waiting the Captain's clear and loud command. — 

Again hail, Discipline! — our Navy's boast, 
Thy rules are ever, in themselves a host ; 
While equal Justice, firm, yet mild of sway, 
Shall o'er our floating Castles dart its ray, — 
The foreign foe's, or home-bred viper's sting, 
Can with it nothing pestilential bring ; — 
Thanks to thy care, St. Vincent !--thanks to thee! — 
Thy Knowledge set Britannia's Seamen free 
From the insidious plotter's murd'rous taint, — 
Too truly horrible again to paint 



410 

In all its mad, its ruinous effects.— 

Thanks then to Thee !, and Him, who Tars protects ! 

You ! burst the link, which frantic demons forg'd, — 
Demons ! whose lash our Fleets and Country scourg'd. 
Again Britannia saw her Sons go forth, 
Purg'd of the taint, conform'd in Patriot worth;— 
Certain their Country's cause was good and great, 
They, to uphold it, nobly rush'd on fate !!!* 



* The Author begs leave to advance here in explanation, that 
although he will not pretend to say, what motives induced Lord St. 
Vincent to pay off the Navy so suddenly and extensively at the 
Peace of Amiens (to which the above passage adverts), yet that, as the 
doing so was attended with the most beneficial effects, he trusts the 
eulogium may not be thought misapplied. — ^Without therefore taking 
the liberty of supposing what may have been his Lordship's reasons, 
he will offer a few remarks, in the character of a Naval Officer, to 
prove why he thinks the paying the Navy off at that period, of the 
highest importance, to its interests, and consequently that of the Na- 
tion. The dreadful mutinies proved^ that whatever loyalty British 

Seamen possessed at heart, yet when their understandings became 
attacked in the new and insidious way in which they were, they 
could not be expected to be proof against delusions which have 
cast such miseries on the tuorld at large. — None but those who 
actually served during that period, could know the extent, to which 
the villainous agents of still greater villains, forged the chains by 
which the gallant but deiuded Crews were held ; — nothing but the 
most " decided firmness" on the part of Officers, and *' the native 
patriotism" of the JMen, could have prevented the artifices of those 
demons of anarchy, from having more dreadful consequences, 
than they had. — Yet, although from the above causes, the Country 
might be said to have been saved, and although the Crews 
seemed anxious to wipe out the stain by gallant deeds, the effects 
of Jacobinism (which fortunately has nory destroyed itself) ^'were not 
entirely eradicated at the Peace of Amiens." — The only method to 



411 

At length the word, ^* See Sheets and Halyards clear*;" — 
*^ The Anchor stand by ;" — " More to port+ now steer."— 
" Clew up," '' Haul down:j: ;" — with magic force 'tis done! 
" Now stream the Buoy§ ;"— '' Now let the Anchor run." 
The stoppers past ||,— like lightning, round she flies, 
, And sheering, ev'ry stretching rope-yarn tries !** 

radically purge away this taint then, seemed to be, " by paying the 
Navy entirely off;" by which means^ the link which connected these 
*' agents of iniquity," would be broken :— rthe Crews, by comparing 
notes with their countrymen on shore, would discover the fallacy-of 
the doctrines which had misled them ; — and, by spending their money, 
appreciate the comforts of their Profession, and learn the uholesonre 
truth, that ** Sailors can only live by it;" — therefore would return 
with avidity!— Has not all this been accomplished? — Those who 
deceived our Crews, have either met their fate from the injured 
laws of their Coiintry ; — finding their cause hopeless, have emigra- 
ted ;— or, convinced of their error, have become good subjects. — 
Sailors seeing this, in addition to what has been already mentioned, 
and too that their Country was threatened with extermination, re-en- 
tered the Navy with ardour, and have proved, by their deeds, their 
union, and invincible determination to, without an atom of Gallic 
affectation, " deserve vcell of their Countri/." 

* ** Sheets" (as has been observed) haul out the sails to the yard- 
arms. — " Halyards" hoist them. 

f Meaning to the " Larbord," or '' Left," as already e-xplained. 

X Square sails are " clewed up" (as already described), and stay- 
tails '* hauled down ;" in general, at the same moment. 

§ To every anchor there is a Buoy (a kind of cask) to shew 
where the anchor is ; — as it is made to float just over it. — This must 
always be let go, *' stream.ed" before the' anchor. 

Ij " Stoppers" are of different kinds, made of rope, fixed to 
the deck and elsewhere, to put round the cable, when you wish to 
prevent its running any more out. 
. *^ " To sheer" is to go from one side to the other, which a Ves- 
sel doe*, straining at the same time her cable (according to the 
wind's force), *' until brought up," as it is called. 



} 



412 

We do not moor, as soon up harbour bound ; 
The word " Out boats," is echoed then around. 
Nimbly their Crews hook on the pendent falls,* 
And now the rest obey the piping calls.— 
The Barge once out, is in an instant manned ; 
The ready Captain is as soon at hand,— 
And with a sparkling eye, rows swift to land, 
Anticipating pleasant dinner prog, 
With the Port Adm'ral,— soon as our Ship's log, 
And her report of state, have once been read ; 
And, on their glorious contents, all things said 
Can gratify a gallant youthful spirit, 
From the mouth of a vet'ran man of meritf . 
This being but an earnest of what follows ;— 
Whistling shot, we know, had made some hollows 
In our Ship's planks and masts ; and so 'tis fit 
We go to dock, and overhaul a bit ; — 
And this, in sequel, sends our Chief to town, 
Where, from the gracious Monarch on his throne. 



* " Yard-tackle falls," by which boats, &c. are hoisted out of a 
vessel. 

f On arriving in port, the senior Officer must always be waited 
upon with the ** Log-book'* (or Journal), and a '* Report of 
the state in which a vessel arrives ;" by which means her wants 
are ascertained. — The dinner is of course. — ^After any particulat 
piece of service, a descriptive letter is addressed to a senior Officer, 
Or Admiralty Secretary, according to circumstances. 



413 

He will receive such truly grateful praise, 

As must his mind 'bove all things earthly raise !!! — 

Only his mind^ remark ! — as to his heart, 

A certain beauteous Damsel plays her part. 

With such a winning grace, so kindly sweet, — 

O ! all ye pow'rs of Love ! how great the treat ! 

What mortal but would strive the foe to beat!!! 

'Tis certain, while encircled round the waist, 
The Mistress lets her ardent Lover taste 
Th' ecstatic nectar of her ruby lip ! 
A first ! — but not the last, most rapturous sip ! 

Who is so cold of heart, to think it shame 
Thus to reward a glorious deed of fame ? 
Surely! when Swains are cover'd with renown, 
A chaste, rewarding Love, the Fair may own. 

Well ! — after tasting such transcendant pleasure^ 
In a more tranquil, yet a blesst^ measure, 
His noble Parents both are fondly prest 
Unto his truly filial, manly breast. — 
Soldiers, and Sailors, oft fare passing hard ; 
But His made up by such supreme reward I 

Young Henry, too, prov'd such a noble boy I, 
Is, with his Uncle, London to enjoy; — 
And also both his doating Parents bless, 
Receiving once again their Rweet caress I — 



414 

Inform'd of this, the generous Youngster prays, 
His Messmate Edward may come in the chaise; 
Nor does the Captain hesitate to take 
The lad, for well -deserving Harry's sake;— 
Indeed for Edward's own great merit too; 
The wherefore has already been told you.-— 
Now, pray conceive, tho' this is here related, 
Tis but the real fact, anticipated ; — 
I merely introduce the matter here, 
Because on shore I don't intend to steer ; 
No longer does my pen accompany, 
Than on the Cruise, or while we fit for Sea. 
But let me. Reader ! your attention call 
To other themes ; — essay io tell, why all 
On board are restless ; — why these soon betray 
Hearts much oppress'd, indiff'rent, grave, or gay- 
Alas ! it is beyond my feeble art 7^ 
To paint the varied feelings of the heart. 
Indeed, can language such a scope embrace ? 
Can words express, and with the pulse keep pace ? 

Our mantling blood, which from the heart-spring flows, 
Thro' evVy feature each emotion shows ! 
How can crarap'd words explain the workings of the soul ? 
How speak, when eyes beam love, or, lit by fury, roll ! — 
Wijat ! — when responsive sighs impart th' ecstatic bliss ! 
Wlien bashful, sweet confession yields the balmy kiss !— 



415 

When gentle heaves the bosom's rapture prove, 

Say! can a word escape to murmur love ? 

The ^yes look all, — the close-entwin'd embrace, 
With " Love's avowal" can alone keep pace! — 

Or, when demoniac passions shake the soul, 
Can words ! the working tumult e'er controul ? 
What!— when the flashing eye, and uprais'd vengeful arm. 
By headstrong fury urg'd, inspire a dread.alarm ! — 
Can language then the passions dire assuage ?— 

Impotent efibrt of Poetic rage !!! 

Words may our cooler feelings well rehearse 
In clear-told Prose, or more harmonious Verse : 
But, when the passions are at highest bent, 

'Tis in a language of their own they vent. 
Most true! — but yet there is a magic pow'r 

Can make e'en feeble language cheat the hour : 

Can make a word convey a sense of bliss ; 

Tho' unsubstantial, yet yield Beauty's kiss !~ 

Can make the distant scene of woe appear, 

And softer natures melt to shed a tear ; — 

Can in wild tumult passions agitate, 

Until we rush amidst the battle's hate !!! 
Imagination! — Pow'r of Fairy mien ! 

'Tis thou alone canst paint the wond'rous scene ; — 

Canst urge the varied feelings of the heart, 

And, by a word, canst joy or grief imparts 



416 

As e'en the mild, the serious, stern, or gay, 
In part acknowledge thy seducing sway ; 
Fain would I hope, that, thus possessed of thee, 
All, in description, may the substance see. 
Then come, my Muse !, and try, in pleasing Song, 
To tell why now these uncouth mortals throng ; 
And wherefore this to passions should belong. 

Yon flying Skiff, that sweeps along the Main, 
Does at her helm a harbinger contain. 
Full charg'd with fate ! — its fiat, joy or grief ? — 
O ! come Conviction ; yield, O ! yield relief. 
Tho' the dire truth may agonize my heajt. 
Yet from suspense I feel a keener smart. 
The Postman comes I— and, surely, mocks our pains, 
While he some crabbed argument maintains ; 
Or, still relentless, cracks his irksome joke, 
And wonders why so eager seem the folk * ! — 

* The moment a Man-of-War arrives in port, she is reported to 
the Post-Office ; which instantly sends off the boat in its pay with 
the Ship's letters; vrhich now only cost tlie Crew ont penny, in lieu 
of a postage they often and often could not pay. — For the comfort, 
nay humanity ! of thus being enabled to hear from their friends, as 
also to answer them, at no greater cost than a penny postage on re- 
ceipt, (a Commissioned Officer of a Man-of-War being allowed to 
frank,) — the Navy has to thank, the Author is given to understand, 
the Post-Office in 1795;— it extends to the Army; and creates a 
most pleasing confidence in our Country, as acts conducive to our 
happiness are not confined to our immediate Boards, but are fulfilled 
where far removed from us. 



417 

At length he finds *tis better to abstain. 
Or Jack from clumsy thumps may not refrain. 

A letter, forth he lugs, — and, hear him swear, 
" 'Tis for Tom TRYSAiL,--Plymouth, or elsewhete.*' 
*' Be sharp I hand here," cries eager Tom, " the slack % 
" Or, joker ! down I lay ye on your back I" — 
The pence delivered, — see, with break-neck speed, 
Tom, and a Messmate who, kind fate !, can read, 
Rushing below, — and, with a blubb'ring cry 
And awkward paw, to ope the letter try. 
Th' intricate folds at length are torn asunder, — ■' 
When, lo ! with vacant stare, Tom seems to wonder,— 
** His jewel, Molly, has quite well got o'er 
" The pains of childbirth, since he left the shore ! :" 
Tho' scarcely yet six fleeting months are gone 
Since wedlock's blissful bonds, he gets a son ! — 

Who would have thought that Molly's modest face 
Would heap upon her charming sex disgrace ; 
And to a Sailor kind, and void of guile. 
Behave, you see, in this ungen'rous style ? 
The world ! my honest Jack ;-r^foi too oft there, 
Virtue's consider'd /<?«/, and vicious precept /««>. 

Cheer up, my Lad ! — thy manly spirit show ;~ 
If woman slight you, Frenchmen do not so ! 



** The " Slack" of anything is the Sea-cant for the thing itself ;-^ 
derived from hauling in the slack of a rope, it is presumed. 

E E 



418 

The thought perhaps had struck him, — ^for, instead 
Of horrid oaths, and hanging down his head, 
He gives the board one precious, angry thump !, ' 
Then sitting him upright upon his rump. 
He whistles first, then sings, and squirts his scorn, 
Till full as blithe as joyous May-day morn, 
The treach'rous Helpmate, and all care's forgot; 
'Tis Sea-philosophy, improves his lot. — 
All hail ! all hail I thou wonder-working pow'r! 
From whence possessest thou this magic pow'r ? — 
Say !, when we're struck in the most tender part, 
Whence comes the balsam which allays the smart ? 
Why, simply hence, my friend ! — 'tis all combin'd 
In these two lines, of necromantic kind! — 
^' What Fate decrees no human art can cure, 
^'' We Sailors think, troth !, we must needs endure." 
We do our best ! — can mortal man do more ? — 
And tho' full often fate may sternly lour, 
Yet if we're sure, we merit fortune's smile, 
What consequence to us, if she beguile ?— 
We know, we cannot help it either way; 
Then why not, with the quaint old proverb, say, 
<^ All ca§es, which admit no earthly cure, 
^^ My honest people, faith J you must endure."— 
Therefore of whatever happens '' make the best,*' 
So will, at kvst, your perturb'd spirits rest.—- 



419 

Now, mark that handsome youth, with speaking eye. 
No utt'rance finding, save a deep-drawn sigh ; 
His bosom rapture 'tis that keeps hira mute ; 
Till feeling transport, even too acute!, 
Instinctively he seeks aTiinclred breast, 
And while his sympatliising friend is prest. 
The mighty tale is told ! — " That friends are kind ; — 
'^ And lovely Laura prays, a fav'ring wind 
" May waft him quickly to her fond embrace; 
" As both may now receive the nuptial grace." 

Take care, my dainty, love-bewilder 'd friend ! — 
Wedlock, mayhapj may not thy state much mend ! 
But come !, I know you'll say, I only preach, 
The best advice full oft the heart can't reach ; 
Let then experience the correctness teach. 

Another see!, with a sedater mien, 
Altho' much satisfaction still is seen.— 
His patron now informs him, " he has reason, 
'' In proper place, and at a proper season, 
" To somehow think his young friend on the Ocean 
^' May, if it is deserved, attain promotion." 
Deserv'd! — aye, there's the deuce on't!~for a chasm, 
Giving the hardiest Mid a twitching spasm, 
Lays between Cockpit and a Luff's commission, 
^' The passing Captain's dread, most dread decision lit 

£ e2 



420 

Ye shivering tribe !— methiuks I sec ye yet 
In the tremendous House of Somerset ! — 
Those varying streaks of blue, of white, and red, 
With chatt'ring teeth, proclaim your inward dread I 

The hollow footsteps, from yon distant stair, 
Sound awfully, O ! Mids, prepare, prepare !-— 

The folding doors now ope,— Big- wig appears ; 
The wretch enjoying your foreboding fears. 

" Come, Mr. , the Passing Captains wait!" 

Despairing, now he cries, '' Protect me, fatef 
See him return ! — important in his look I — 
Swearing, he knew full well, th'^oid boys he'd cook :— 
Tho' not a word, how fearfullj/ he shook !!f 

Thus with ns all; — and, joking set apart, 
The dread remembrance yet will make me start : 
Still can I feel a spasm and a twinge, 
At the dire creaking of the dreaded hinge III * 

* When a young man has served six years in a Man-of-War, ac- 
cording to the rules of the Service ; he sends his Journals, and Cer- 
tificates of good Conduct, &c. to his Agent, who procures a docu- 
ment of his time having been duly served; — he is then allowed to 
stand an examination in the different branches of his profession, be- 
fore a certain number of Post Captains, at Somerset House, London; 
who, if he satisfies them, sign a Certificate to the effect, and he is 
then competent to a Commission, nor is he examined after: — but 
should he be wanting in his answers, they send him back to his Ship 
to serve some time ; when he may again try his fortune. — Perhaps forty 
anxious mortals are seen on the passing day, walking up and down 
the Great Hall, terrified at the idea of being turned back :— the sound 



421 

But, Frank ! — ^what's this ?— that wild expression tells, 
Your heart, too much alive, with anguish swells :— • 
Tell me, my Friend ! whence the emotion springs ; 
Say ! what it is that thus thy bosom wrings ?— 
Serious, I fear, when feelings so intense 
Usurp thy mind, and agonize each sense. — 
Feelings so tender, Frank !, must be withstood. 
Or not a day would pass without some cause to brood. 

None! — but we Sailors surely, least of all. 
Should into such a grievous error fall. — 
Feelings a man must have, or be a brute; 
But should ne'er suffer them to be acute. 
Now Frank, tho' brave in battle, gen'rous, kind, 
Yet had a gerious fault, — *^ was too refin'd."— » 
He said himself, he was by no means so, 
And that he would not sentiment forego 
For all the universe could give beside ; 
It was by far his greatest joy and pride- 
But, come now, tell me, Frank ! — when woe assails, 
How is 't your manly spirit so much fails ? — 



of the Porter (nick-named " Big-wig") coming from the Chamber of 
Examination to call those wanted, is therefore a nervous business. — 
But though this alarm is natural, there is no foundation for it in re- 
ality, as the Oflicers appointed to examine, make it a point to dispel 
this flutter of the nerves as much as possible, and afford every in- 
dulgence and encouragemeiit. 



422 

Tho' ;^ovi feel pleasure where no other can, 

Yet I have seen you sink beneath the man. 

He thought not so ! — " Altho' I yield to grief, 

" Yet still I have proportionate relief: 

^' That I despond at times, is indeed true ; 

''But then, what joys from the same source accrue ! '* 

I studied him ; and soon found out, alas ! 
His pain did pleasure very far surpass. 
This rule I cherish then, — " That men should suit 
^' Feelings t' events; but let them not take root!" 
A proof how just this is, there never can 
Be stronger instance than in this young man. 

No strength of mind warded the heavy stroke ; 
He pin'd !, — he sunk!, — his heart, too feeling, broke* ! 

But, hark ! — my name is call'd, — the seal is black, — 
Good God ! — it surely cannot be from Jack ? 
What loss has he sustain'd ? — the hand 's not his ;— 
But 'tis his seal, — and written thence he is!— 
A sort of fearful tremor o'er me shook,— 
And tho' my eager hands the letter took, 

* Much as a certain degree of refined sentiment is essential in 
Military Service, to conciliate esteem both in a political and moral 
point of view ; yet, when carried to such lengths, it becomes weak 
and ridiculous ! Extraordinary as it may appear that such an in- 
stance as above detailed should occur on board Ship !, yet it is 
strictly true. — ^The contents of the letter cannot be of importance, — 
suffice it, that the cause of this catastrophe was an " over-refine- 
ment,"— an " excess of Sensibility." 



423 

Yet so the flutter of my spirits rose, 

That I could not the fateful task impose 

Of getting knowledge, which I yearn'd to gain :— 

At length a friendly youth, who saw my pain, 

With well-meant haste, the fatal letter tore 

From my weak grasp, and thoughtless reads, — '' No more, 

** In this world, shall poor John greet 

" Thy ear with friendly converse; — ^ne'er to meet 

" In this life can you." — O ! how my heart 's opprest !— 

Where now 's the friend on whom that heart can rest ? 

Alas ! he 's gone ! — gone to that unknown shore. 

Which an All-ruling Pow'r decrees we quit no more !— 

From whose thrice-awfully " mysterious bourne,'* 

In mortal state we neYer can return !!! — 

Not even real worth, like his, could save, 

" Or yet^ a little, cheat the mould'ring grave: — " 

A little ! — why this little wish to snatch ? — 

Croud all the sail we can, yet death will catch !— 

And, for a moment if a man but thinks, 

Assur'd he must be, that, when ^* Virtue sinks," 

'Tis to receive th^t future) bless'd reward, 

Religion tells us, shall be Worth's reward ! — 

I dwell not on the theme ; — for what can it avail, 
To loose the canvass to grief's 'whelming gale ?— 
He 's tranquil moor'd ! — I hear the tempest howl. 
Feel the keen frost; and see the snow-drift scowl. — 



424 

Let me enjoy the quickly passing calm, 
Nor by regrets so vain ! infect the zephyr's balm.—' 

Mellow'd by time will be the fest'ring smart ; 
And anguish then will cease to tear my heart*. 

How strange it doth appear ! — and yet how true!, 
TJiat the most adverse feelings ever strew 
Throughout existence, mankind's tortuous path. 

Benign peace beams ! — a moment after, wrath ! — 
Now we are sad, — and anon blithely gay ! ;— * 
These in the compass of a fleeting day. 
But I defy such chequer'd scenes to be 
Witnessed elsewhere, as we who go to Sea 
Experience; — 'tis a life of that kind, 
"Where things occur will touch each chord of mind. - 
Yet, as I've said, " Care's restless symptom marrs 
^' The peace but seldom^ and not long, of Tars." — 
Pleasure predominates, — O ! how much more !, 
Than gnawing pain ; — not long our hearts feel sore.— 

Besides the glory of the Life ; that thirst 
Which mankind have imbib'd — aye, from the first !, 
Of widely roaming, and exploring, we 
Indulge, e'en to its full extent, at Sea. 



* Those who have had the misfortune to lose a real friend, may 
not, perhaps, think indulging in such melancholy reflections, at the 
moment his loss is announced, inconsistent with nature. 



425 

Ever a novelty ! — some wond'rous shore 

We visit, and delightedly explore. 

And when, in regions of the peopled world, 

Scarce is Britannia's well-known Flag unfurl'd, 

Than, gods ! what honour, love, and Gala-fete, 

The British Officer, and Tar, await : — 

Pleasures, which former pains more exquisite create. 

Various the letters, which the Crew receive ; 
Various the causes, to rejoice, or grieve. — 
Of these, perhaps you'll think I've said enough | 
Let me then turn to other kind of stuff;— 
And forthwith tell 

What, if before, perchance, had been as well; 
Namely, that gunners, *fore at anch'ring spot, 
I Had drawn from guns their, might &e, fatal shot. — 
I In this particular, the prudent Chief 
I Gave, from the first, his orders, strict and brief; — 
*^ Unshot the cannon on your ent'ring port ; 
" Shot them again, whenever Sea we court." — 
This was, and with a proper foresight, meant 
To guard against a serious accident *. — 



* Many dreadful accidents have happened, owing to guns being 
] kept shotted in port. — ^To instance one : — when the Boyne, of 98 
sguns, was burning at Spithead, her cannon, on being reached by 
the flames, went off, and killed men in Ships near: — most providen- 
tial it was, the mischief did not extend to a greater degree. — But evea 
sliotting lower-deck guns at Sea, is dangerous. — Two of our Line-of- 



426" 

But see there!, skimming o'er the ripling tide, 
The Captain's barge ; — now laid close alongside. — 
He*greets us all ;«— sajs, that " no longer stay 
'* We must make here, — but in a moment weigh." 

A pilot he has brought; — so all employ 
Their hands with strength, their minds o'erflow'd with joy. 
To heave the anchor, and to moorings go^ 
With our well-batter 'd, low-sail'd Prize in tow.— 

Now, with majestic sail, our Ship moves on. 
While the yet lofty sun in radiance shone ; 
Then, as tho' conscious of her abject plight, 
Unwilling moves our Prize in colours dight;— 
That of the foe beneath the Union Cross, 
Which last the partial, sportive breezes toss. 
Sometimes in folds, sometimes in full display, 
As if on purpose. — ^The tri-colours lay 
Xank, as thro' shame ; — quite stripp'd of former pride ; 
While Brit Ally's Arms triumphantly preside!!! * 

Battle Ships nearly foundered in consequence : — during the night, in 
a gale of wind, they worked to that degree that the shot became 
loose, and by friction, or collision, fired the powder ; by which means 
the port was blown out, and the Ship's safety imminently hazarded. — 
A lozver-dtck gun is soon shotted, when you clear for action, — and 
the upper, which are not housed, (run in, and the muzzle restmg 
within board, consequently can do no mischief by going off,) are 
ready for immediate firing. 

* As the lower flag is near the deck, and becalmed by the upper 
one (except the breeze is very strong), it cannot blow out, though 
the one above may. — Our method of distinguishing Prizes is, by 
hoisting the flag of Britain ever that of the captured foe, 



427 

Now we our course for inner harbour shape ; 
And as we round the shelving, sheltering cape, 
What thousands ! fill the air with ardent cries ; — 
What loud returns ! burst from our Ship and Prize. 

Now warlike music thro' the concave sounds, 
While the full cheer at interval resounds. — 
The heav'nly, patriot Fair their kerchiefs wave, 
And point towards, and greet our conquer'd slave : 
The bands and voices make the welkin ring, 
With " Rule Britannia," and " God save the King !!! 

We float on air! — and things to sense appear, 
As if thro' promis'd Paradise we steer ! — • 
Each man 's a Hero !-— O ! entranc'd, we sigh, 
*^ Let us in battle conquer, or in battle die !!I " 



Soon as our Frigates two are safely brought 
To the snug moorings which our Pilot sought, 
We look ! — and, with most animated glee, 
Lying moor'd near us our first Prizes see. 
This cheering prospect, and old Shipmates come 
From them to shake hands with us, make the sum, 
And not the trifling sum, of grateful pleasure; — 
What indeed somewhat adds, is a rich treasure 
They, like right-hearty fellows, bring on board,— 
What does at present more our Lads afibrd, 



428 

Than gold !, delight ; — being this tasty treat, 

Soft tack ! J milk !, greens !, fresh butter !, and fresh meat I 

And, let me see, what else ? — aye, aye, Steel's List ! 

And a month's Papers, for a reading twist. 

Our Purser too, good fellow in the main, 

Neglects not to endeavour to obtain. 

For the Ship's Crew to-morrow, fresh-beef grub, \ 

With wholesome relish'd beer also for bub : > 

Now, to buy from the bumboat's freight, they club *. ^ 

Well, now, shall I some certain things unfold?— 
But mind, — a bargain ! — if I do, don't scold ! — 
Perhaps you may not^ if you do but think, 
How often we have been on ruin's brink ; 
After such scenes will not the Cynick let, 
Some few, at least, in pleasure's trance, forget 
The many hardships past !— ^^' faith ! some got tipsy !" 
And some sent not away the coaxing gypsy +. 

* A " Bum-boat" is a shore-boat, with articles of various sorts, — 
chiefly eatables. 

f The Author cannot help here observing, that if young Naval 
Officers (for to those at years of discretion the following observations 
of course cannot be supposed to apply,) would endeavour more to 
seek the society of reputable families in our great Naval Sea-ports, 
(in no other places are they obliged to seek,) and those families be 
more inclined to take notice of them, there might be a reciprocal 
advantage ; as the young men would not then be so much, in a man- 
ner, driven to associate with themselves, and in consequence would 
not commit those extravagancies (at least so frequently) as must an- 
noy now and then the others. Ebullitions of youthful thoughtlessness 



429 

I must, however, have you all suppose. 
That, no, not e'en a single one of those, 
Whose bounden duty 'tis to keep look-out, 
But who is competent to move about : 
No!— only those by duty M«-confin'd, 
It is, who thoughtless leave " dull care behind/* 
And if they give too wild a scope to this, 
What can we say ? — is it past hope amiss ? 

The prisoners (and to their real sorrow) 
Are to be shifted from our Ship to-morrow. 
They had been treated throughout truly well. 
As you may hear all hands, unask'd-for, tell. 
In prison-ships they are full fairly used ; 
Yet had they rather been that birth excus'd. 

It is not long delay'd before we strip, 
And have a clear-swept hold to dock the Ship. 

Our cannon, shot, and difF'rent stores, are got^ 
By lighters, to the wharfs a proper spot. 

Soon will the Captain's time be all his own, 
And he will fly on wings of love to town. 

That day is come !— for we get into dock, 
Where the mountainous billows cease to rock : 



can perhaps only be checked by a pleasing acquaintance with the 
estimable; at all events, being thrown totally on those of a different 
denomination can only harden, except they most fortunately aiford 
an antidote in themselves, by raising disgust. 



430 

That is, our Skip^ conceiTe !-^we mortals stow 
A hulk's old decks afloat, 'bove and belo^v *. 

If nothing happ'd to alter the intent, / 

Commencing travelling our Captain meant 
Early next morn. — O ! truly fateful morn! — 
What an eventful stroke doth thee adorn ! — 

Just after post, the Captain hurrying came, 
And, panting, did such wondrous tidings name, 
As instantly most mark'd expressions drew 
Of import varied, from the breathless Crew. — 
Sometimes, the speaking eye would work and flash ; 
Sometimes, a glist'ning tear impede the lash, 
And veil the sight ; — at times, a glowing flush 
Would o'er the aspect instantaneous rush. — 

Anon, our late rous'd spirits seem to fail, 
And you behold us, mournful, wild, and pale. — 
Whence, are these workings of the inmost soul ?—- 
Trafalgar's Cape! heard thund'ring ordnance roll ! ;— 
Trafalgar's Cape ! beheld fierce lightnings flash 
From mighty rival fleets, — saw Nelson dash, 



* After an action of any severity, a Vessel is taken into Dock; 
as there may be shot-holes under water not known. According to 
circumstances, she is stript, and cleared, or not. When Men-of- 
War become unfit for Sea Service, they have their Masts, Guns, 
Stores, &c. Sec. taken out, and are fitted up to receive the Crews of 
those Vessels which are in Dock, or fitting out alongside : such are 
<fe«ominated " Hulks^'* 



431 

Undaunted ! thro* the foe's more num'rous line ;■ — 
And like a Hero, more than mortal I, shine :— 
Saw him at once grasp Vict'ry's brightest palm ! — 
Saw him, alas!, in death's impressive calm I!! — 

Oh ! what a fatal melancholy rest ! 

How sadly is the warrior's heart opprest ! — 
The foe is beaten !~-nay ! — they are no more !! — 
But Nelson, godlike Nelson!, lies in gorelll 
Nelson 's the fearful price! — our spirits sink, — 
E'en while the brimming cup of joy we drink !— 

How can the power of language e'er express 
The exultation, — yet the deep distress? — 
When, did our Tars so great a deed atchieve J— 
When, had we such a rending cause to grieve ? — 
Ne'er did emotions in contention steal, 
With half the force, as those which now we feel. — 
Oh ! honour'd, honour'd Nelson I — truly great, 
In agony, we mourn, thy hapless fate ! — 
Transcendent man ! — thousands have been as brave ;*- 
Have, for their Country, like thee dar'd the grave! — 
But none, no ! none of them were, li|£e thecy good !— 
For who, as Nelson, has so well withstood 
Those irritable feelings, which betray 
Man's noble nature, far too oft, astray 
From its right bent? — ^Nelson ! thou hadst a raind - 
Of mighty grasp, and yet humane and kindm 



432 

Nurs'd in the *^ cradle of the Ocean's surge/'— 
Tho' thou would'st wild, as wildest fury, urge 
The progress of th* exterminating fight ; 
Yet in the brunt, Religion, kept in sight,— 
Kept a firm station in thy pious heart, 
And bade thee play an almost perfect part. 
Lo ! all exclaim with fervid energy, 
*' Death has no sting, grave has no victory," 
In such a truly glorious end as thine! — 

Impressive Milton !, could thy fire be mine ; — 
Tliy sacred, thy e'en soul-expanding fire !-— 
O ! how my fervent Muse would then inspire 
The Human Race throughout, — my fellow man. 
Whose life at most^ is but the shortest span J, 
To care not bow soon, they this span may 'bate, 
If they're repaid by meeting such a fate ! — 

Death did not hover round the Hero's bed, 
In terrors clad.— No I—sweetly calm the spirit fled t!! 

Say ! can Voluptuaries e'er meet their fate, 
In such resigu'd, in such a heav'nly state ?— 
.Or those vile Indolents, who ne'er have won 
Tranquillity, from actions nobly done ? — 
Say ! can the vicious Rake, the Glutton, Sot, 
E'er finish thus in peace, their mortal lot ? 
No I— their j9«^^ lives will not be then forgot. 



433 

Phantoms of conscience ! must the wretch attend, 
And to its fate, his soul convulsive send !!!— 
While heroic spirit the great Warrior shields, 
And he, as worthy men !~a life with calmness yields. 

Nelson! we all in one acclaim agree, 
And with BritaI^nia sigh, " Great is our loss in th«c." 

But let us hope, our Country 's not bereft 

Of all, in thee ! — that Nelsons still are left, — 

Determin'd Courage, and great Naval Skill, 

Throughout, our present glorious Annals fill; 

Nor should we doubt, but all will try to tow'r 

Like thee in eminence, and gain thy pow'r!— 

" To be e'er idolized, and e'er obey'd, 

" Until life's hues, in death's dark shadows fade." 

Live, gallant Nelson ! — ^live in each grateful breast 'r 
Live there !; and ever be rever'd, carest.— 
Long may it be our Navy's glorious boast. 
To the ^' Immortal Mem'ky," fondly toast.— 
*Tis thine, great soul! thine is the mem'ry dear! 
We drink in rapture! — ^yet repress the tear!!!* 



* The Author trusts he will not be accused of " wishing to de- 
preciate the merit of past and present Naral Characten, by thus 

P F 



434 



But say, my Muse t whose manly; modest pen? 
Noble attendant on all gallant men, — 
Who was the Warrior, tell me, did indite 
The minutes of this most decisive fight? — 

Highly distinguish'd, valiant Collii^gwood !-^ 
Who on the splendid List of Heroes stood 
The second, — ah ! need I sayjirst, alas ! — 
When the " grim Tyrant" Death ! bid orders pass 
From slaughter'd Nelson !: — but, O Muse, 'twere wrong 
Longer to dwell upon dejected song. — 



contrasting them with the great Nelson." — ^The world has allowed him 
such pre-eminence ! that it surely cannot derogate from the glory of 
others, to say, ** his fame is as yet unrivalled :" — by the past cer- 
tainly; — as to the present generation, the path is open. — Many may 
equal, nay I excel him ; — for there never yet has been perfection. — 
To extol great men, is a duty, and away to make them.— If so?— 

surely all should contribute their mite. ^The enthusiasm of those 

who served with Lord Nelson, — their affection to his person, — their 
veneration for his remains, could only have been produced by 

what may fairly be termed " goodness." British Sailors wiW^ght 

under anz/ man who will lead them into action! — but they may not 
bear him affection, — nor, in the enthusiastic language of the Poet, 
(but here mosl strictly applicable,) *' Bear in their hands the thua- 
derbolts of war !" — so tremendously sudden was Trafalgar's Victory 
atchieved, that the Author has heard French officers who survived 
the combat, compare it to a '^ dreadful dream." 



435 

Brave Colmngwood ! more of thee would I say. 

But sense of delicacy stops the lay.— 

Thou art alive ! — therefore it is not meet, 

That I should all thy glory here repeat.— 

Historians will the story true relate. 

And will thee high amongst our Naval Heroes rate. 

Poor Duff! — poor Cook ! — * alas!, and many more, 
Die for their Country's sakej but why deplore? — 
Why feel wild grief, when we the story tell ?-— 
" For we know, when they fell, they nohly fell !!!"— 
Enough '.—the liberal Historian's page, 
Will note the Heroes, who did here engage, 
As an example glorious ! for each future age II!-* 

The day in talking of the fight pass'd on. 
And on his journey is the Captain gone.— 
Now, that no active service bids, no more 

We dine at Two o'clock, — 'tis serv'd at Four 

This once dispatch'd,— fresh wine is forthwith brought, 
And an old Friend, our Sandy Mayne had caught 
Just in the nick of time, and fetch'd on-board, 
Did, from his style of singing, all aiford 
Much serious pleasure :— for his vocal lay 
Told of the ever^raemorable day, 

* Two Captain! of Lijie-of-battle-ships, who fell in this great 
ifiction. 



\ 



436 

When the immortal Nelson nobly fell ; 
As you have heard me but this moment tell.— 
The Poet thought, this mighty battle's form 
Partook in fierceness^ so much of the Storm, 
That the same metre and same air belong 
To his attempt, as to that fine old song*. — 
With, 'stead of raging Tempest of the Main, 
The still more dreadful Battle's hurricane. — 
Our worthy President signs, " no more noise ;"^ 
And now the song, each ea^er ear employs : — 



1 



Near Trafalgar's Cape was steering 

Gallia's fleet, combin'd with Spain ; 
Thirty-three their force appearing, 

All sail set, the straits to gain 

No sooner did the orient morning 

Their stupendous, dark hulls show, 
Than Nelson, force superior scorning, 

Turn'd to them his willing prow. 



* The *' Storm ;" commenc'mj with '^ Cease, rude Boreas," &c 



437 

No signal made, but " for the Foe stem, 

^^ As in two lines of sailing form'd." 
And when the daring Chieftain near'd them, 

Hark ! — ^liow the daunted Villeneuf storm'd : — 
'^ What ]y is there no way for retreating ? 

" Must we figlit the dreaded foe ? 
'* What !, no means left to shun the meeting ? — 

/* Alas ! alas ! our blood must flow. 

" The signal make, prepare for battle !, 

*' In two lines convex'd — then veer ; 
*' For before our cannons rattle, 

" To the northward I would steer ; 
*' Make Gratina's signal quickly 

'' To form close."- • - -Short grew his breath ! 
And turning pale, he moan'd out sickly, 

*^ Frenchmen ! we fight for life, or death !" 

Four-and-twen ty was the number 

Of the gallant British Fleet ; 
Nought their warlike decks incumber, 

All prepared the foe to meet. 
'Tis not the hopes of sharing booty 

Now each British heart inspires! — 
'Tis Nelson's werds !—" Men, do your duty f— 

That e\^ry Tar with ardour fires !!! 



438 

Now the deep-mouth*d cannon thunder, 

Peals on peals tremendous roar ; — 
Masts and yards are torn asunder; — 

Many a Tar lies stretched in gore. — 
Muzzle to a muzzle straining, 

Soon as the hostile lines were broke, 
Eacb with valour still maintaining 

Desp'rate fight ;— when, Oh ! — a stroke I - - « 

A stroke of fate, I'm now deploring, 

Victory's self can scarce requite;— 
One, 'midst a show'r of bullets pouring, 

Pierc'd noble Nelson ! — At the sight, 
Th' exulting foe the death-blow 1 shouted 1 

This rous'd our Tars revenge to take :— 
Their ire increased I — the foe is routed ; — 

Victorious shouts the concave shake !!!-«- 

Heroic Nebson's heart's-blood flowing, 

Mantling now, — his pale cheek flushed; — 
With fervid joy, his aspect glowing, 

He thanks his God ! — and all was hush'd !!!• 
But, gallant Sailors ! cease your wailing, — 

'Tis the glorious chance of war ; — 
His mighty soul to Heaven sailing, 

Will shine from thence our Polar Star. 



439 

Keep it in view, my Brother Sailors ! 

Let it ever be your guide ; — 
Then no proud foe, or boasting railer, 

Shall BRiTAiNVNavy e'er deride. — 
Come, my boys !, let 's have no shrinking : 

Fill your glasses to the brim, 
" Immortal Memory," now we're drinking, — 

" Nelson !!!— and those who bled with him."*- 



jEnthusiastic plaudits wildly ran, 

And to the very bottom ev'ry man 

Took off his brimming glass ;— then all agree 

To give th' inspiring Toast, — a three-times three! 

The peal is over \ — and a solemn pause 
Proves our souls' homage to the song's great Cause. 
Now we deplore our godlike Nelson's fate, 
Then on his VictVy feel — O ! how elate !!! 



* The Author has endeavoured, in the above Ballad, to come as 
near facts as possible ;--to exemplify, vide Lord Collin gwood's letter. 
— As to Admiral Villeneuf 's speech (a poetical licence of course), it 
is not meant by it to attack the personal bravery of that unfortunate 
man, who certainly appears to have done his utmost ; but to advance 
that the result of the conflict was dreaded by him.— It is only justice 
here to remark, that from circumstances which have fallen within 
the Author's knowledge, this Officer seems entitled to the character 
of an amiable, brave, and liberal man. 



440 

Whether it from the kindling subject sprung, 
Or from his wondrous energy who sung, 
Nothing we ever felt was so impressive, 
Nay !— I may further say, almost oppressive !!! 



Here let me stop l-~and at a Herd's end 
My thoughts poetic towards conclusion bend.— 



Told, is '* th' unvarnish'd tale ;"— o'er is the Cruise ; 
Errors, I trust, nay I beg, you will excuse, 
And join sincerely in this ardent prayV, — 
" That it may be each Briton's constant care 
^' To keep Britannia's ample flowing sail 
" Trimm'd, to inflate with Honour's noble gale. 
" That Virtue be the Top's resplendent light; 
" That Courage order in the bloody fight. — 
" But above all !— fix'd firmly at the Helm, 
'* To steer her to an ever-blissful realm, 
** That mild Religion have its heav'nly sway." — 
Then shall far-fam'd Britannia make sure way; — 
Then will o'er Earth's great globe, e'en ev'ry Nation, 
Not curse! but " reverence and greet her station :" 
Then, shall Invasion as a bugbear stand, 
To only frighten the infantine band !— 



441 

Or, metaphor to quit, — " Almighty Pow V ! 
*^ O'er our fair Isles thy choicest blessings show*r 
^' Turn from us ever, thy tremendous wrath, — 
*^ Incline us e'er to walk in Wisdom's path !" — 
Wisdom !— thou art the neriest sum of all ; — 
For if we're wise! then can no ill befall I — 
If we are wise? xioe shall he brave and good; 
Ambition'' s lawless thirst will be withstood : 
Yet will we never meanly abject Jlinch, 
Nor give up of our rights one single inch !; — 
IFill idolize a patriot good old King I 
And factious reptiles from us, loathing, fling. 
If we are wise ? we will our best blood see 
Flowing in streams! — meet ruin ! — cease to be ! — 
Mather than, as a Nation, not be FREE !!] 



'^^ 




INDEX 





CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. 


Preface 


page X, 


line 


17, /or this, r. the" 


PoeiB, 


- 10, 


— 


1, for length'thy, r. lengthy. 





— 23, 


— 


7, for t'unmoor, r. to unmoor. 




-- 128, 


_ 


22, after off, r. also. 




- 134, 


~- 


1 0, for changeless, r. changeful. 




— 138, 


— 


13, for sill, r. till. 




.— 148, 


«M 


2, for seaman, r. seamen. 




~ 149, 


— 


J 7, nfter hwt, r.he. 




— 192, 


— 


22, for journal book, r. journal books. 


, 


— 209, 


-i. 


11, /or great, r. not. 




— 320, 


<~. 


1 2, for on board a ship, r. on board ship 


. 


— 323, 


_ 


1 0, for the dreadful, r. th' eventful. 




- 326, 


— 


22, for on board, r. in board. 


Argument, 340, 


— 


1 J , /or three weeks, r. six weeks. 


Poem, 


— 373, 


~ 


10, /or fat, r. fate. 


Note, 


— 383, 





8, /or deed, r. indeed. 


Poem, 


— 390, 


_ 


18, /or our, r. her. 


Note 2. 


— 390, 


— 


3, /or ssill, r. still. 


Poem, 


- 405, 




9, for tasted, r. lasted. 



INDEX TO THE NOTES. 



ABAFT, or aft, explanations there- 
of, &c. 36. 
Academy, the Naval one at Ports- 



n outh, 116. 



AJlcr-hoId, its situation, &c. 332. 

Albicore and Bonetta ; caution in 
eating those fish, &c, 274. 

Amjjutdtio-'; assertions relative to, 
&c. 383. 

Anchor, its appendages, and the 
manner of taking it up, 26. 

Ante-meridian and post-meridian, 
distinctions ot time, 217. 

Articles of ffar, what their pur- 
pose, S'oO, 

A-tanto, meaning of the expres- 
sion, 312. 

Avast I signification thereof, 200. 

Bands, to strengthen the sails, 94. 
Bands of music on ship -board, 

U3. 
Barhjf a familiar term for one's 

snip, 91. 
Barometer, sea one, — very useful 

in a ship, 263. 
Beam of ?. ship, 78. 
Beat to quarters, !29. 
Bell, its use on board ship, 25. 
Bergou, a porridge so called by 

sailors, 64. 
Bight, the bend of a rope, 54. 
Big-wig, a jocose appellation, 

421. 
Bilboes, an iron bar, with shackles 

for the ancle, 335. 
Bilge-water, whence proceeding, 

256. 
Billet, an ornament at the head of 

a ship, 304. 
5fr^/?s described, 21. 
Blake, Admiral ; remarks on a 

saying of bis, 12. 
JBlessin^ the Pope, an ironical ex- 
pression, 312. 



Boar, a term applicable to an <^x- 
traordinary force of the tide, 189. 
Boathcok, its use, 319. 
Bobstaif's, strong ropes to secure 

the boltsprit, 269. 
Boltsprit, an oblique mast in the 

fore-part of a ship, 26§. 
Bonetta ; see Albicore. 
Books recommended for the pe- 
rusal of youth educating on 
board ship, 151. 
Booms, their use, 60. 
Bow-chacers, their use, 306. 
Bower, an anchor so called, 182. 
Bow-man, his duty, 319. 
Breakfast, when ; appellations 

given to, on ship board, 64, 
B reeks, a cant term for breeches ;_ 

whimsical application, 271. 
Bridport, Viscount ; his principal 

service since 1793, p. 5. 
British SdWovs, their qualities, 277. 
Buckets, fire-ones, how used, 87. 
Bum-boat, a shore-boat, conveying 

chiefly eatables to a ship, 428. 
Bunt ; — what is meant by tossing 

it, 19. 
Buoy, a fioat, how used, 358 & 41 1 . 

Cannon, how fired, 77. 

Capstan, its use, 23 ; music play- 
ed, when working at it, 25. 

Carreenivg; the term explained, 
201. 

Cast about; what the term implies, 
218. 

Castilian honour ; remarks on d", 
338. 

Cat, a block so denominated, 25; 
also an instrument of punish- 
ment, 346. 

Cat-harpins, their use, 262. 

Catspaivs, flurries of wind so de- 
nominated, 9. 

Caulking, how performed, 360. 



444. 



0iair, used for hoisting sick or 
wounded men in or out of a 
ship, 323. 

Cheering, account thereof, 401. 

Chequers, a game, 138. 

Chickens ; — Mother Gary's Chick- 
ens; what meant by, 229. 

Chips, a nickname for the carpen- 
ter of a ship, 215. 

Clarke's Treatise on Naval Tac- 
tics, 145. 

Cleeting, explained, 250. 

Clothing, sailors throw off before 
action, 374. 

Clues, their use, 27. 

CocATr'5 Arithmetic, 112. 

Cock-pit, its situation in a ship, 
155. 

Commerce of Great Britain, dis- 
quisition respecting, 239, 240, 
241. 

Compensation, part of lieutenant's 
pay so denominated, 193. 

Con ; — what is meant by d°, 42. 

Cook, Captain ; juvenile anecdote 
respecting that great Navigator, 
S75. 

Copper, or boiler, used on board 
ship, immensely large, 21. 

Cork-boats, the services they may 
render ; also cork waist-belts, 
225. 

Cornet-vane, description of; when 
used, 58. 

CornivaUis, the Hon. Admiral, his 
principal service since 1793, 
p. 6. 

Corporal of a s''ip, his duty, 38. 

Counter, a part of the vessel so 
named, 259. 

Countrij-daitces on ship-board, 199. 

Coxsv^mn, his office, 23. 

Crapand, amckname given by our 
Sailors to Frenchmen, signifving 
'a toad, 304. 

Crosses, three used in tlie ship- 
ensign; reason why, 10. 

Cro^ys-irees, their use, 223. 

Cutter, a sort of boat, 320. 

Cutv:uter, explanation of, oOZ. 



Davy, abridgement of the word 

affidavit, 312. ^ 
Davy Jon€s, familiar name among 

sailors for the Ocean, 37. 
Dead-eyes, their use, 268. 
Dead-lights, their use, 252. 
Dead reckoning ; — what it means, 

3*2. 
Decoy-colours, why hoisted, 307. 
Departure; precise meaning of the 

word in navigation, 32. 
Dqft, explanation of, 232. 
Dog-watcn explained, 22. 
Double Altitudes, how obtained, 

301. 
Double-breeching, explained, 250. 
Dress, worn in common by Mid- 
shipmen particularized, 18. 
Drogue or Drudge, its use, 368. 
Duelling, a few"^ hints respecting, 

191. 
Duncan, Viscount; his principal 

service since 1793, p. 5. 

Earing ; what it is, 234. 

Eased; — when a vessel is said to 
be so, 254. 

Education in Nautical affairs, ne- 
cessary for fore-mast-men, 331. 

Fake of a rope, explained, 62. 

Fa-la-ling, signification of, 202. 

Fall, a rope so called, 25. 

Fiddle-head, an ornament at "a 
ship's head, 304. 

Fish-hook, its use, 26. 

Flemishi-}g, explained, 20. 

Flip, a drink ; its composition, 393. 

Fluke of an anchor, 26. 

Fluh-aijig, great-coat so called, 47. 

Flying-Jish, observations respect- 
ing them, 274. 

Fogram, a cant term for any sort 
of liquor, 213. 

Fox, loosely twisted rope-yarns, 
346. 

Furling sails, 19. 

Galloot, a clumsy fellow, 135- 
Galore, plenty, 393. 



U5 



Gangway ; what part of the vessel 
so called, 47. 

Garlick ;— joke of British Seamen 
respecting the use of it by the 
French, 307. 

Gear, meaning of that word, 249. 

Grampus ; — explanation of the 
phrase, *' Blowing the grampus,'* 
49. 

GrafS'Combers, 2i. whimsical epi- 
thet, 104. 

Gratings, their position and use, 
255. 

Greaihead, Mr., of Shields, rela- 
tive to life-boats, 225. 

Greenhorn, a term of reproach, 
98. 

GregQ, a sea-term for a great- 
coat, 47. 

Grub, a cant term for any sort of 
eatables^ 297 ; for stock, 364. 

Grummet, its use, 3 1 5. 

Gulpin, an ignorant fellow, 273. 

Gun-room, its situation, 31. 

H<iil, to speak a vessel, 187. 

Hair, kept remarkably clean and 
neat by sailors, 134. 

Half-ports, their use, 252. 

Hammocks and their appendages 
described, &c. 30, 31. 

Harbours, observations respect- 
ing, 282. 

Heaving to, explained, 318. 

Helm and Helmsmen, observations 
respecting, 253. 

Hood, Viscount ; his principal ser- 
vices since 1793, p. 5, 

Hood, Oaptain ; anecdote respect- 
ing his capture of 1 Hercule, 
391. 

Hohi'Stone, its use on-board ship, 
6b. 

Horse-mackerel, account of, 298. 

Hotham, Lord ; his principal ser- 
vice since 1793, p. 5. 

Hulks, vessels ; their use, 450, 

Humouring a ship's motion, — Bri- 
tish Tars expert in so aomg, 
80, 



Idler, an epithet, 34. 

Infirmity of purpose during war, 

reprobated, 16. 
Iron-bound ; import of the term, 

231. 

Jemmy Ducks, a nick-name given 

to the poulterer on ship board, 

141. 
Jolly-boat, a small boat, 234. 
Joining a sloop, or sloop of war ; — 

the utility of so doing, 1 16. 
Jourruds, observations thereon, 

193. 
Junk, salt beef, 36. 
Junks, large pieces of any thing, 

296. 

Kedge, a small anchor used in 

calm weather, 321. 
Keel, situation of, 259. 
Keith, Lord ; his principal service 

since 1793, p. 6. 

Landmen, their timidity and awk- 
wardness on first entering the 
Service, accounted for and ex- 
cused, 108. 

Lanthcrns, Battle d", how used, 
219. 

Lanyards, ropes by which the 
rigging is set up, 268. 

Larboard and Starboard watch, 
22 ; general acceptation of the 
terms, 45, 

Larbovj lines and Starbowlines ; 
what meant by, 45. 

Lashijig the '• hi, explained, 270. 

Lead, hand rp, its use, 2i5 ; also 
chewed by sailors, when not 
permitted to return an enemy's 
fire, 375. 

Leager, a cask, 390. 

Learning; disquisition on its im- 
portance in Naval life, 123. 

Le. -side of a vessel, explained, 3S ; 
- going to iee-ward, 219. 

Letters, how brought off, &:c. 
416. 

Lieutenants, their duties, 22, 4Q. 



446 



Life-boats, observations upon d", 

225. 
Life-huoij, its use, 234. 
Lifts and slings, their use, 300. 
Limbers, where situated, and use, 

256. 
Log-board, its use, 41. 
Log'biok, its use, 4 1 2. 
Log-ship, its use, 41. 
Loom, explanation thereof, 322. 
Lubber, explained, 19. 
Lurch; the term how applicable 

to a ship, 253. 

Mackerel-breeze, a moderate one, 
356, 

Main-chains, a part of the ship so 
denominated, 48. 

Main-sail, account of, 249. 

Mammy - sick, whence derived, 
288. 

Manosuvering and cruising for ac- 
tion, 76. 

Marines, the distinguished assis- 
tance they afford the Service, 
88. _ 

Marling, its meaning, 94. 

Marlinspike, its use, 202. 

Master of a man-of-war, his charge, 
34. 

Master-at-arms, his duty in a ship, 
38. 

Messenger, a rope so called, 2Z. 

Methodist; observations relative, 
162. 

Middle-watcher, a luncheon, 50. 

Mitchel, Sir Andrew ; his principal 
service since 1793, p. 6. 

Moored ; when a ship is said to be 
so, 23. 

Mother Carfs Chickens; account 
thereof, 229. 

Motto of a British seaman, 306. 

Muffling the oars, for the sake of 
secrecy, 319. 

Muslin handkerchiefs, sometimes 
a mark of puppeyism among sai- 
lors, 135. 

Muster-hook, its use, 387. 



Narrows, passages between shoals^ 

282. 

Naval Officer, some leading trait* 
requisite to form the character 
of, 14. 

Nelson, Lord; his principal ser- 
vice since 1793, p. 6, his senti- 
ments relative to letting the 
enemy come out of port, 362 ; 
his personal merits extolled, 
&c. &c. &c. 433, 434. 

Netiings, their use, 63. 

Nightingales, a waggish term ap- 
plied to the boatswains at Spit- 
head, 20. 

Nag, warmed beer, 273. 

Oakum, its use, 91. 

Observation, lunar, &c. howmade'^. 
32. 

Oeconomy recommended, 93- 

Offing, explained, 28. 

Oldsters, an epithet, 54, 

One Bell, meaning of, 46. 

Orlop deck, its situation, 216. 

Outlandish, how applied by Bri- 
tish seamen, 214. 

Pawl, explained, 25. 

Pay wath boiling pitch, 360. 

Pendant, or Pen' ant, described^ 
10; a sea-legend respecting its 
origin, 359- 

Perfection among men, not to be 
expected, 171 ; not agreeable 
to the Scripture, 174. 

Pipe, or call of the boatswain, itg 
use, 20. 

Pipes, a nickname for the boat- 
swain, 202. 

Pistols, remarks respecting, 315. 

Planks of the deck kept peculiarly 

. white, 11. 

Pope ; see Blessing. 

Porpoise, a large fish, 100. 

Poulterer on-board ship, humour- 
ously termed Jenany Ducks, 
141. 

Prize-money i remarks thereon, 69. 



447 



Fromotion, remarks'on, &c. 83 ; 
Fore-mast-men often unable to 
attain it through their want of 
early education. 111. 

Provisions on board ship enume- 
rated, 21 ; the laying in a com- 
plete stock of them requires 
time, 364. 

Puncturing the skin ; a practice 
among seamen much used, 
396. 

Punishment, humanity of the En- 
glish nation in that respect, 
354. 

Purser's office on board ship, 37. 

Pyeman, Mr., his tables, 33. 

Quadrant, use of, 89. 
Quoin, its use, 86. 

Rated on the books ; import of 
the term, 119. 

Receipt of prisoners given, 330. 

Reef, — taking a rerf, — close reef- 
ing; their import, 19. 

Religiomnd refinement in reason 
will not enervate, 115. 

Ring-bolts, their use, 326. 

Rotvsing ; what meant by the 
term, 45. 

Ru7n, odd, queer, 200. 

Runners, their use, 251. 

Sail-trimmers, their office, 87. 

Salt-box, its use, 76. 

Saumaret, Sir James ; his princi- 
pal service since 1793, p. 6. 

Sdamp, a term of bitter reproach, 
333. 

Scool, offish, 228. 

Screens, how made^ and their use, 
76. 

Scribe; to whom the term applies, 
142. 

Scud, small clouds, 279. 

Scuppers, their situation and use 
in a ship, 242. 

Scuttles, to admit light and air, 
352. 



Sea-Fencible Establishment, obser- 
vations on the utility of that in" 
stitution, 28^, C31. 

Sealed orders, their import, 51., 

Seine, a net ; its use, 361. - 

Sheave, its use, 361. 

Sheets, their use, 27 ;— sheet-an- 
chor, 182. 

Shiridy, off-hand, 304. 

Shingles, loose stones, or small 
rocks, 276. 

Shipwrecks^, observations relative 
to, 280, 281. 

Shirk, to shrink from, 349. 

Shotted guns ; danger of their be- 
ing so left in port, 425. 

Signals, private ones; the use 
made of them, 308. 

Single-sticks, cudgels, 101. 

Sinnet, a plat; its use, 91. 

Skipper, familiar term for the cap- 
tarn of a ship, 180. 

Skulker, a term of reproach, 38. 

Sky-larking, romping, 301. 

Slack, explanation of, 417. 

Slack-gammon, loose talking, 46. 

Smith, Sir Sydney; his principal 
service since 1793, p. 7. 

Snatch-block, its use, 404. 

Soft Tommy, a sailor's phrase for 
bread, 201. 

Spars; what they are, 251. 

Spencer, Earl, eulogium on, 4. 

Splicing, its use, 91. 

Splicing the main brace; phrase 
explained, 265. 

Sprit -sail -yard, where placed, 
274. 

Stanchions, their use^ 25 1 . 

Station-boards, their use, 195. 

Steering-sails, their situation and 
use, 60. 

Stern-chacers, their use, 306. 

Stern-may, explained, 220. 

Stitches in the sails, generally form- 
ed in two rows; further remarks^ 
94. 

Stoppers, how used, 411. 

Storm-stay-sails, their use, 250. 

Strictures on French tyranny, 1 19. 



us 



Sunday; how passed on board, 

143. 
Svperfluity entirely discarded on 

board ship, ] 6, 
Superstition of some seamen, 37. 
Sivahy its use, 88. 
Snipes, a cant -term for sma]i- 

beer, 139. 

Table-money, when allowed, 22. 

Tack; see Soft-Tommy. 

Tacks on board ; — what it implies, 

214. 
Tafrell, a railing over the stern of 

a vessel, 403. 
Talents should be assimilated to 

duties in Naval Service, 82. 
Tarpaulins, how made ; their use, 

255. 
Taut, explained, 20. 
Thi7nhles, iron rings so denomi- 
nated, 268. 
T/irzi/zz^, their use, 100. 
T/nvarts, seats which go across a 

boat, 319. 
Till, a small division in a chest, 

208. 
Tiller, its use, 253. 
log, the cant term for clothes, 

236. 
Toilette of a sailor, 208. 
Top-captains, and top-men, their 

office, 131. 
Toiling, explained, SiS. 
rm7np the deck, 210. 
Traill, a bag-net, 361. 
Trumpet, its use on ship-board, 

78. 
Turn-cock, its use, 257. 
Turning in ; wiiat it means, 2 15. 

J'ariunce amongst officers, its evil 
eficcts, 65. 



/^cfm/jg explained, 318. 

Villeneuf, Admiral; brief notice 
respecting him, 439. 

Vincent, Earl St. ; his principal 
service since 1793, p. 5 ; his con- 
duct in paying off the Navy at 
the peace of Araiens, vindica- 
ted, 410, 411. 

Unanimity; its beneficial effects, 

11. 
Uniform, remarks respecting, 136, 

137. 
Up to sleep, and dozen to rest ;—• 

explanation of the phrase, 42. 

;ra(is,tlieiruse, 91. 

frake of a Vessel, what it means, 
47. 

U^arrant-of]icers ; — ^who so deno- 
minated, 112. 

irarren, Sir J. B. ; his principal 
service since 1793, p. 7. 

IVatch, manner of, explained, 22 ; 
officer of the w^atch, his prima- 
ry duty, 39. 

irater-spout, description thereof, 
227. 

freatJier-side of a vessel explained, 
35. 

Weevil, an insect, 259. 

Well, its situation, 256. 

Wings, their situation and use, 
251. 

Yards; — what meant by squaring 

them, 20. 
Yard-tackle-falls, their use, 412. 
Yazv; — what that term imports, 

42. 
Yelloiv ; — sides of men - of- war 

usually so painted, 10, 



FINIS. 6 1 S M 



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